Plô Roucarels

Plô Roucarels

【Passion and nature woven together — the gifts of the Mediterranean in a single glass】

Plô Roucarels, whose name means "little rocky plateau" in Occitan, is a 7-hectare domaine south of the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. It is run by a passionate couple, Julia Gil-Ulbrich and Julien Gil, who came here from the former East Germany.

Julia trained with Pierre Clavel in Pic Saint-Loup before moving on to Château Labégorce and Château Citran in Bordeaux. Julien took his BTS in viticulture and oenology at Blanquefort, then gained experience at Château Barateau and Château Montravel.

Wanting to build something together, the two resolved to move to the Languedoc. They bought their first 2 hectares in 2006 and added a further 5 hectares in Limoux in 2011, taking a new step forward as growers. Raised on sandstone and marl under a generous sun, their Carignan shows all the finesse of a true Mediterranean grape, with spice and freshness besides.

In the vineyard every chemical input is strictly limited and kept to the barest minimum. They watch the weather closely and test frequently for pests and bacteria. Natural fertilisers based on humus and trace elements build strong vines and bring the life of the soil back into balance.

The cellar work is likewise as natural as it can be. Picking is done with great care to keep out leaves and snails, and every bunch is checked for moisture or rot. Each variety is vinified separately, with wild yeasts alone.