Marie Duponchel and Florian Ruscon

Some dreams, aspirations and choices reveal a character, forge a life and by their scope shape a territory.

A family bet

Co-founder of a consulting firm, Frédéric Duponchel  had a sweet dream for years : replanting vines in Sens region. His daughter, Marie Duponchel, has made a bold choice. After a Master in Public Management at Paris-Dauphine University promising her a future in project management she decided to reorient in viticulture and she graduated in Viticulture-Oenology. His son-in-law, Florian Ruscon, dreamt from an early age about working the land. The young man gave himself the means to live his passion by getting a professional license in plant production. Three lovers of the earth, aware of what everything nature has to offer, who have decided to take on a huge challenge together in sharing with all those who love alloys of new flavors and aromas

Indeed, the creation of the Domaine des Sénons is synonymous with the renaissance of a terroir: the vineyard of Sens.

A vineyard once renowned

The centuries-old vineyard that once covered the Paron’s hills, died out in the aftermath of the First World War, the final blow to Sens vines after the ravages of phylloxera and the competition of wines located further south which benefited from the development of the railway to be transported to Paris more quickly.

For more than a century, France has been forgetting Sens wines though, under the Old Regime period, they were on the royal table.

It is also a page of the popular Paris of the Industrial Revolution that comes alive with this wine renaissance since Sens fed with its famous drink bistros and cabarets among which, the Black Cat, located at the foot of the hill of Montmartre and frequented by Aristide Bruant and the poetic elite.

Therefore it is much more than vines that Florian and Marie replanted in 2019. They revived a history, a name, a gastronomic and a cultural heritage.

Aware that they must live up to this prestigious past, the couple, surrounded by a team just as passionate as they are, daily care for their 12 hectares of replanted vineyards exactly where the vines were until the beginning of the 20th century, on the hillside of Paron. All dominated by the modern Chai overlooking Yonne river.

While waiting for the first clusters of grapes to feed on the richness of the soil composed of a chalky mother rock, covered with an argilo-limestone and flint, Marie and Florian decided to perfect their winemaking techniques by sourcing from other winemakers. Their “ Sensé” range, certified organic, was born from this expectation of the first harvests. Syrah, gamay… Every year, the Sensé strives to offer a constantly renewed pleasure.

A reputation about to be restored

Like any encounter with the earth, natural hazards put their determination to the test. In 2021, the frost reduced the first harvest to a few hectolitres. Far from being discouraged, the couple emerged stronger and grew from this experience. Their determination for an organic and quality product remains intact.

In 2022, their first real harvests put 12 hectares in bottles. Marie and Florian hope to work 20 hectares. And the result goes beyond all their expectations. The tastings by colleagues, cavists and oenologists are glowing. Wines from the vineyard are already known for their elegance and finesse.

However, Marie and Florian are aware that the work is far from being over. It will never be because every vintage, every season will offer its share of surprises and challenges. Not to mention that the young couple wants to register their vineyard in a more global approach of animation of a whole territory with wine tourism.

Young and passionate, Marie and Florian welcome, at Domaine des Sénons, curious and amateurs with a communicative smile that is an invitation to discover and share an extraordinary adventure that will offer Yonne new great wines.