L’Egrappille
Auvergne, France
L’Egrappille is the natural wine project of Catherine Dumora, a former anthropologist who traded fieldwork in the forests of Brazil and deserts of Morocco for the volcanic hills of Auvergne. Founded in 2012 near Clermont-Ferrand with roughly 2.5 hectares across 25 small parcels, the domaine gained immediate acclaim with its debut 2013 vintage. In 2019, Catherine relocated to Lamontgie, south of Issoire, where she recovered old vines on steep west-facing slopes along the banks of the river Bansat. The name "Egrappille" comes from the French verb grappiller, meaning to gather grapes here and there — a fitting description of Catherine’s practice of gleaning fruit from abandoned vineyard parcels, sometimes sourcing from as far as Haute-Loire. The domaine also produces a distinctive cidre de fourneau alongside its wines.
Winemaking Philosophy
At a Glance
2012
Founded
2.5 ha
Hectares
Region
Auvergne, France
Key Varieties
Gamay (Vieux Gamay d’Auvergne, vines 80–100 years old), Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon
Farming
Organic (AB certified), Biodynamic (Demeter certified), Biodyvin certified, Nature et Progrès, S.A.I.N.S. Parcels partially worked by horse with treatments reduced to an absolute minimum, using only flower and plant preparations. Naturally enriches the soil. Rich biodiversity with parcels surrounded by forests.
Harvest
Manual harvest. Catherine practices multiple harvests and also gleans fruit from abandoned vineyard parcels found online, sometimes sourcing from as far as Haute-Loire. Most of the work is done by hand.
Coming Soon (5)
Trade Professionals
Unlock trade pricing, live availability, and tech sheets for this producer.