03/04/2025
The origins of the Joyeux family at Ornaisons in Corbières can be traced back to the 17th century. Fearlessly braving the risks and the difficulties faced by the viticultural community following the phylloxera epidemic, the family acquired what would one day become ‘Domaine La Cendrillon’.
The vineyards were passed down generation to generation, multiple of which were female led, throughout the 19th century. In the late 90’s, the current generation, Robert and Genevieve, began to shift the approach of the winery. They maintained their long lineage of winemaking traditions while also striving to place a strong importance on their natural environment. In the early 2000s, the estate was certified fully organic, and they reduced the surface under vines to concentrate on the best terroirs. Herbicides were banished and replaced by hoeing between the vines. Organic matter in the soil incorporates shredded vine prunings, and encourages microbial activity and moisture retention through the planting of inter-row cover crops that act as green manure.
The estate is very forward thinking, close to the earth, and the focus shifted to varieties that could withstand climate change. Corbieres is inherently a very hot region. It is rare to see Albarino grown in France, even close to the border. In 2017, one of their sons, Hubert, left Paris to carry on the family tradition and devote himself full time to the estate, furthering the domain's dedication to healthy, happy vines (practicing biodynamic, BIO certified) and focusing on minimum intervention in the cellar.
The wines meld a creative and traditional approach for their region, and the profiles are unique and thoughtful while remaining highly drinkable.
