AUPILHAC

The Terraces of Aupilhac

A surface area of 13.5 hectares, south facing, these parcels, composed of clay/ marl / chalk soil are situated below the « Chateau du Castellas », emblematic Montpeyroux monument dating from 11th century.

The terroir of Aupilhac is found on the edge of the garrigue with Holm oak, White oak, Arbutus ( Strawberry trees), Thyme, Broom, all the plants and trees of the mediterranean. Underground, numerous cavities and subterranean networks provide a regular moisture supply. Cette situation en Piémont donne une pluviométrie supérieure et une fraicheur estivale accentuée.

On this south-facing slope we have favoured the mediterranean cepages, well tried and tested for a long period of time. They give a good balance to the wine, since they don't suffer from the heat. They are planted in the soil and climatic conditions that suit them best. This terroir of Aupilhac was a revelation to me. Whilst tasting these first wines, I realised I wanted to pursue the experience as far as possible. The rustic cepages like the Carignan or Mourvèdre have been tamed. Ils arrivent à s'harmoniser à merveille, créant cette symphonie de vins, depuis 1989, qui émeuvent nos sens années après années, depuis 32 millésimes, en ce jour où nous venons de récolter la vendange 2020.

The Cepages : Mourvèdre ( 4.4 ha.), Carignan ( 3.6 ha), Syrah ( 1.2 ha), Grenache ( 1.1 ha), Cinsault ( 0.6 ha), and for the white wines, Carignan Blanc ( 0,9 ha), Clairette ( 0,6 ha), Grenache Gris (0,4 ha), Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Ugni Blanc.

And if we continue our climb up the hill, past the Chatau du Castillas, we reach the crest and discover …

 COCALIÈRES

The Amphitheatre of Cocalieres

10 hectares, 350m altitude - Les Cocalières -.

The most northern facing part is planted with 5 white cepages ( Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Grenache Blanc )

The Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre produce the Cocalières Rouge.

This magical place was created by a geological phenomenon, scarce in our region. An enormous volcanic eruption created this canyon that collected water during millions of years. Geologically called a 'MAAR', a lake in the crater of a volcano. Traces of Basalt are present, but limestone is dominant.

The altitude, also the orientation, mean the vines benefit from a certain freshness, unlike the other side of 'the mountain'where the Terrasses d'Aupilhac are found.

It is for this reason that the cepages such as Syrah, Grenache ( black or white) Roussanne, Marsanne are more successful than in a warmer climate.

The extraction of enormous rocks was undertaken so that, once planted, the vine could force its root system deep into the earth of the terroir to discover the gustative expression of fresh spices, of limestone mixing with the aromas of the garrigue plants that surround this amphitheatre.