La P’tit Envie. ( The little desire)

70% Vermentino, 15% Rousanne15% Marsanne. Vinified in cement vats. Brilliant pale yellow color. Lemon, almonds, straw and white flowers on the nose. Citrus and toasted nut flavors followed by Rousanne-influenced banana tones on the back palate. Very fresh and well-built for its price.  This is a serious wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Clay Limestone solis with a touch of sand.  Slopes at 600 Feet above sea level on the banks of the Orbieu River in Corbieres.

Sustainable Viticulture following organic principles. Organic fertilizers only, minimum intervention.

A blend which balances the delicate freshness of the Vermentino grape with the richer and more aromatic varieties of Roussanne and Marsanne. An intensely floral nose, slightly Sauvignonesque, prepares the palate for a deliciously fruity wine.  It is medium bodied and complements seafood and tapas as well as an aperitif.

CHRISTOPHER & SEBASTIEN

In Corbières, a meeting of two men, a few words about the Carignan grape, and in the twinkling of an eye a friendship is born. 

Christopher, with a hidden smile. Burgundian by his mother, English by his father, he discovered wine, with his wife Louise, in London. The Languedoc captured his imagination and his heart. In 2007 an ancient vineyard, mostly planted with old Carignan vines became available, and Christopher discovered his alter-ego winemaker. 

Sébastien, a beret-bearing colossus with his feet firmly planted in the vines. Sébastien speaks the language of terroir. Growing up on his family vineyard in the Dordogne, he learned everything by the age of 9. Formal winemaking studies and positions at Bordeaux chateaux preceded his arrival in the Languedoc. Mastering the grape varieties of the Languedoc within a few harvests, he fell in love with the Carignan, his Cathar mistress.

THE VINEYARD : LA PUJADE

“La Pujade”, meaning “hillside”, takes its sense from Occitan. Protective hills encircle our vines, nestling in their sheltered hollow. The local varieties find their place – Carignan first, then Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. A parcel of Roussanne lies a little to the north, touching the garrigue at its limits, and another of Vermentino and Roussanne to the east. 55 hectares in total, of which 45 are planted, the rest harbouring pines, aromatic plants and wildlife of all kinds. 

Clay soils of deep red earth are lightened by aeolian sand, brought to the valley by winds from ancient volcanos. The mix brings a graceful elegance to the wines, a freshness and intense pure fruit.

THE WINERY

The 19th Century winery extends deep into the hillside behind. Entering by the big red portal, you see a cathedral of shiny stainless steel vats reaching into the recesses of the cave. Half underground, the natural air-conditioning and stable temperatures make an ideal environment for natural yeast fermentations and wine maturation. 

The winery has been extensively renovated with new temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, a lab and barrel store. Four ancient stone vats build into the back of the winery have been renovated and relined. They make excellent fermentation and storage vessels for our Carignan.

GOING ORGANIC

Putting it simply, we return to traditional viticultural practices abandoned decades ago. The elimination of synthesised chemical interventions is merely the start of our journey. Our credo is based on our close relationship with the land and the know-how of our forefathers. 

Being organic means more time spent in the vineyard: labouring the soil under the vines, and nurturing organic matter; planting cover crops which can then be ploughed into the soils to add nutrients; pruning carefully for healthy, strong vinestocks which protect themselves and produce good fruit. 

Modern science also has important contributions to organic methods. As well as equipment, for example, we use sexual confusion diffusers to combat several species of vine moths. In the winery, we work with naturally-occurring indigenous yeasts and keep sulphur levels low.

We have a small olive grove, and occasional beehives. Maintaining the ancient walls and tracks, we see a rich biodiversity flourishing around the vines. The woodland ‘garrigue' teams with life. As well as insects, it offers aromatic herbs, wild garlic and asparagus in springtime.

Our Organic certification dates from the 2018 harvest.