Our local star of July 2025
La Soyeuse de Rontalon farm-brewery, in the purest peasant tradition
Discover the history and behind-the-scenes stories of La Soyeuse, the 1st artisanal farm-brewery created in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes more than 20 years ago in the Lyonnais mountains.
The earth is being cared for with great care.
The time for patience
"Produce ultra-locally and healthily", is one of Bertrand Burcklé's mantras. It is in this spirit that he founded The Silk Woman at RontalonIt was in 2003 that he discovered land in Soucieu-en-Jarrest and Orliénas that he converted to organic farming to grow his own barley.
In this sector of mountains of LyonnaisThe permeability of the soil dictates the daily work, compounded by the vagaries of the weather. But that's without taking into account a team of intrepid farmer-brewers! When June or July heralds harvest time, the soil and crops have been meticulously tended beforehand.
the silkyThe reward
Beginning of November, the Salamander, a malting barley adapted to the harsh winter conditionsIt is sown on only part of the land. Moist soils will promote root development before the drier seasons.
As for the fields that have lain fallow, the time has come to "restore biodiversity" for a year. A cover crop composed of a multitude of species is planted, and the use of chemical substances is forgotten! A true green manure, it ensures soil fertility for the next generation of barley… and brewers.
Thus "The farmer takes care of the land that has been passed down to him." The expression, borrowed by the brewery team from Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, an agricultural engineer in the 30s, takes on its full meaning here. From yield to product quality, the efforts are rewarded by the prosperity of the soil.
The Silk Woman of Rontalon
From field to mug
The brewing ritual
The only exception to the desire to produce locally is the "Monts du Lyonnais / Germany" shuttle service. harvested grainsintended to be transformed into malt. This historical choice is explained by the absence of a micro-malting facility in the region when the operation was established. However, things could change if such a facility were to be built nearby.
Once the seeds are returned, the work takes place in Rontalon's workshop, where the beer-making process is done by handThe use of a shovel, meaning a perforated scoop, is preferred during the mixing stage.
Another characteristic of the region is the hardness of the water. However, at La Soyeuse, adapting is second nature, as is the philosophy of using what the land offers without altering it! So our master brewers have managed to turn this dominant ingredient of beer into a true hallmark.
The Silky One
The flavors of the mineral terroir
Whether they are blonde, amber, brown or redheaded, the signature recipes from La Soyeuse They are distinguished by beverages with assertive textures and always imbued with malty notes.
"The redhead" It's the pride of the house. Rich, full-bodied, with caramel aromas, it pairs wonderfully with terrines. Served with dessert, it adds a touch of elegance to a delicious panna cotta topped with apricot coulis.
In the kitchen, it enhances the flavor of a mussels marinière dish. And when shared at the table, it fosters connections between guests while contributing to a festive atmosphere.
For the next chapter in the story, know that Bertrand Buklé has now taken on the role of passing on his expertise, introducing his colleagues to the art of brewing. The future is secure, long live La Soyeuse!
The silky
Where can I find La Soyeuse beers?
* In Rontalon, a gourmet day trip:
- Organize a picnic getaway in the countryside: the "Silky Ones" are offered at Vival de Rontalon including the "farm" section which also offers a generous selection of products made in part in Rontalon.
- After the picnic, visit the 2 km hiking trail The Tacot: The Ephemeral Journey a veritable land art exhibition punctuated with ephemeral works of art.
- Stop in Thurins, at the shop " A dimanche à la Campagna This collective sales outlet is run by farmers from the Monts du Lyonnais, and in particular those from La Soyeuse.
* On tap, at the table or by the bottle, in one of the numerous addresses in Lyon, in the Lyonnais and Beaujolais mountains.
* On the occasion of a open day at the Rontalon brewery
The Silky OneMore Info
La Soyeuse Farm Brewery | Rontalon | Facebook
La Soyeuse Farm Brewery 🍺 (@fermebrasserielasoyeuse) • Instagram photos and videos
Other farm-brewery addresses in the Rhône
Brasserie Le champ des bulles | Thurins | Facebook
Farmer-brewer from the Lyon region – labieredesloups
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