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Origin: Pays d'Oc, France
Grapes: Vermentino, Terret
ABV: 12.5%
Producer Profile
This property near Pézenas in the Languedoc was established in 1969 and is now run by Marc Cabrol. The estate runs to 40 hectares in size spread across many different parcels of land in the area which are based on red clay slopes and surrounded by the garrigue heathland found throughout this part of France.
They have recently modernised their winery which is built into a hillside and involved a lot of earth moving. The result was a considerable improvement ensuring a constant temperature and humidity within the winery which serves to increase the quality of their winemaking. In total they grow eleven different grape varieties, producing a range of reds, whites and rosés of which their flag bearing cuvée is the Picpoul de Pinet for which this part of the Languedoc is well known for. Overall the wines they produce are clean, fruit driven and well balanced. They are among a small group of Picpoul producers who are making wines that fit well with modern tastes while also being faithful to their appellation.
Grape Profile
Terret blanc is a white French wine grape variety growing primarily in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. It is a mutation of the Terret vine that also spawned the dark skinned Terret noir and light-skinned Terret gris varieties. Terret Gris used to be the most widely planted variety in the Languedoc, France and was used not only for wine but also for vermouth and eau-de-vie. The plantings declined since the 1950s and now it is Terret Blanc that is the most popular, mostly found in the Hérault. Vermentino is a light-skinned wine grape variety, primarily found in Italian wine. It is widely planted in both in Sardinia and Liguria, to some extent in Corsica, in Piedmont under the name Favorita, and in increasing amounts in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Region Profile
The climate here is distinctly Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and relatively mild winters helping to bring the grapes to full phenolic ripeness. The geology of this region is varied, mainly consisting of the hard limestone of the garrigues and the schiste ground as well as the gravel carried by the rivers and streams of the Languedoc region.
Viticulture
Domaine des Lauriers stretches over 45 hectares throughout the Mediterranean garrigue. Its proximity to the sea brings cooling breezes from the Thau Bassin. Harvest is done at night to keep grape freshness. Domaine des Lauriers who make this wine are an estate committed to sustainable agriculture and to that end they're members of France's Terra Vitis organisation which ensures high ethical standards are maintained by its members.
Vinification
Harvest is done at night to keep grape freshness. The two varietals are vinified separately, they’re gently pressed in a pneumatic press to avoid extracting harsh tannins or phenols, then cold settled before fermentation under inert gas at a temperature of 17°C. After 3 weeks the wines are transferred to tank and age on lees for three months before the two varietals are blended.