Languedoc-Roussillon

In 1997, Catherine Roque, already a vigneronne in the Vallée de L’Orb, acquired Mas D’Alezon and its 7 hectares in the northern corner of Faugères. The vineyards are in the village of Soumatre and, ranging from 350 to 450 meters in altitude, are the highest in the appellation. Catherine’s vineyard is certified organic and she employs bio-dynamic principles to enhance the health of the soil and the plants. Catherine grows Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah for her reds and Clairette and Roussanne for her white. The average age of her vines is 25 years, including plots of 70 year old Grenache and 80 year old Mourvèdre. Due to the combination of infertile soils and cool micro-climate, her grapes are very slow to ripen and yields are typically 20 to 25 hl/ha. The domain’s two red wines are vinified similarly.

The Montfalette is 80% Mourvèdre with the rest a blend of Syrah and Grenache.

Based on about 60% Grenache with roughly equal parts Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The grapes are de-stemmed and the élevage is half in foudre and half in neutral barrels for roughly 18 months. The SO2 additions are typically the same as for the Petitou above. An elegant, long and savory wine that is best decanted. Production averages 3,500-4,000 bottles.

Southern French red blend from an organic farmer in Château de Flaugergues. Vivid color from the dark Mourvedre and Carignan grapes, with spice and fruit augmented by the Syrah and Cinsault. Excellent wine for dinner, great with roasts, stews and root vegetables. Native yeast fermentation and no fining.