Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Domaine du Pas De L'Escalette (Poujols, France)

We needed to pick up some wines at what is considered one of the best vineyards in the Languedoc...Domaine du Pas De L'Escalette. Lucky for us that the domain is only a 25 minute drive away from where we are. It was a lovely sunny day for a drive and to visit a nice domaine.


Domaine du Pas De L'Escalette's methods, processes & philosophy: Ten hectares (25 acres) of vines are planted on stone walled terraces known locally as 'clapas', nestling in the 350 metre (1150 ft) hillsides at the foot of the Larzac plateau. We care for the limestone scree covered land as naturally as possible using plant based infusions. We work the soil and pick the grapes by hand, carrying them in small open weave baskets to the winery where they are sorted and de-stemmed. Fermentation takes place in wooden conical casks. Half the wine is then matured in vats, the remainder in oak casks.


The gorgeous cave made of Pont du Gard stone. We only heard how beautiful the cave; finally, we got to see it for our own eyes. It reminded us very much of being in Napa or Sonoma Valleys where the caves tend to be more modern in form, visually eye catching and yet blends well into the surroundings.


The cute domaine labradors...11 year old Syrah (in the back standing) and little puppy Grenache (in the front laying).


The wine maker Delphine took us on a tour of their plots which are scattered all over the mountains. They are so post card perfect. Lush, green and stunningly beautiful.

The vineyard's features, combined with the altitude, the deep limestone and clay soil and temperate climate make it a perfect place for great wines to thrive. (www.pasdelescalette.com)


A view of the valley where some of their plots are located.


The view of the plots facing the top of the mountain.


The vineyard with limestone.


The wines that are on offer at the vineyard. The price and quality ratio for these wines are amazing...meaning; such affordable wines with the highest quality. So so good.

Julien Zernott & Delphine Rousseau are the wine makers and owners of Domaine du Pas De L'Escalette. They are some of the nicest wine makers and people you will ever meet. They greeted us with friendliness and were charming. Even though they are very busy people (it is almost harvest time for them); they took us on a tour of their vineyard and talked to us about their wines whole time we were there. Their passion for wine is catchy and intelligence about wine is incredible. No wonder they are making some of the best wines in the area. They deserve all their success.

Site: www.pasdelescalette.com

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