Founded in 2021 in Fleurie, Domaine Valma is the project of Valentine Mathieu and Stéphane Mathieu, a couple who transitioned from careers in the wine trade to establish their own domaine with a clear, quality-driven vision. The estate was built from scratch, with a strong emphasis on understanding its foundations before production. From the outset, the Mathieu’s undertook detailed soil analyses across their parcels in order to tailor their viticultural approach and fully respect the diversity of each site.

Today, the domaine spans 5.5 hectares, all located within Fleurie, across a selection of well-situated lieux-dits: La Madone, La Chapelle des Bois and Les Labourons, the latter divided into two distinct parcels, Les Rentards and Les Pallouats. These sites, rooted in Fleurie’s characteristic granite soils, provide a range of exposures and expressions that form the backbone of the domaine’s wines. The name “Valma” reflects both a personal and symbolic identity, combining “Val” (valley) and “Alma”, from Latin, evoking the idea of nourishment, life and a living ecosystem. This dual meaning encapsulates the domaine’s ambition: to produce wines that are both rooted in place and guided by a deep respect for nature.

Viticulture at Domaine Valma is guided by observation, precision and a commitment to long-term sustainability. The initial soil studies remain central to their approach, allowing each parcel to be farmed according to its specific needs rather than through uniform practices. The estate officially began its conversion to organic viticulture in 2022, reflecting a desire to eliminate synthetic inputs and encourage a balanced vineyard ecosystem. Particular attention is given to soil vitality, biodiversity and the preservation of natural microbial life.

Work in the vineyard is deliberately meticulous: canopy management, yield control and harvest decisions are all adapted parcel by parcel. The aim is to achieve optimal grape maturity while preserving freshness and structural balance key elements in expressing the elegance typical of Fleurie. Rather than seeking power or extraction, the Mathieus focus on clarity and precision, allowing each lieu-dit to articulate its own identity through the fruit.