[Passion and nature combine to create a glass of Mediterranean wine]
Plô Roucarels, meaning "little rocky plateau" in Occitan, is a 7-hectare estate located south of the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne. It is led by the passionate Julia Gilles-Hubrisch and Julien Gilles, both originally from East Germany.
Julia trained under Pierre Clavel in Pic-Saint-Loup, then at Château Labégorce and Château Citran in Bordeaux, while Julien completed his BTS in Viticulture and Oenology in Blanquefort before moving on to Château Barateau and Château Monlavet.
The two decided to move to Languedoc, eager to create something together, and in 2006 they purchased their first 2 hectares of vineyards, before adding another 5 hectares in Limoux in 2011. Grown in the sun on sandstone and marl, Carignan offers the delicate, spicy and fresh flavours that are characteristic of Mediterranean grapes.
The use of all chemicals in the vineyards is strictly limited and kept to a minimum. We monitor the weather and frequently carry out parasite and bacterial tests. We use natural fertilizers based on humus and oligomers to promote strong vine growth and stimulate the soil ecosystem.
The winemaking process is also as natural as possible: the grapes are harvested with great care, avoiding any leaves or snails, and inspected closely for moisture and rotten grapes. The winemaking is carried out varietally, using wild yeasts.