PRODUCER: Domaine des Lauriers
REGION: Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
WINEMAKERS: Marc Cabrol
In an appellation still dominated by co-operatives, it is a pleasure to discover the wines of an artisanal producer. Marc Cabrol, the head of the estate, practices very conscientious viticulture and is a member of Terravitis, a collection of winemaking estates that adhere to responsible, environmentally friendly practices and promote biodiversity within their estates.
WINERY HISTORY
Domaine des Lauriers was established in Castelnau de Guers in the Hérault region by the Cabrol family in 1969. Having slowly expanded to cover 50ha of the Picpoul de Pinet appellation, Marc Cabrol farms the family’s vines amongst the red calcareous and marl soils that have made the region so popular. Rightfully regarded as some of the finest Picpoul in the region, the Cabrol family are one of few artisanal producers to craft their own wines.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Devoted to conscientious viticulture, Marc is a fierce proponent of safeguarding and protecting Picpoul’s terroir for later generations. Importance is placed on careful resource management, increased biodiversity, soil management, and energy management across every part of the Domaine. Located between Beziers and Montpellier - just inland from the Mediterranean - moist sea breezes bring cool air from September-October, creating a microclimate ideal for the ripening of Picpoul. While the highlight of des Lauriers is – undoubtedly - the Picpoul planted amongst the fragrant Mediterranean garrigue, the family also farm Viognier, Rolle (Vermentino), Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, and Syrah.
The winery has undergone a series of renovations, all intended to protect the integrity and delicacy of the grapes. The fruit is moved entirely via gravity, loaded immediately after harvest into an all-stainless press. This guarantees that the berries remain whole, enhancing quality and easing the maceration process. Fermentation is temperature controlled to ensure fresh fruit aromas and flavours. Aging is a shot process, with all whites and reds seeing time in Cognac barrels. This is a superb example of a traditional dry white wine that is food friendly and rightfully enjoying a surge in popularity. With an expressive nose of peaches and pineapple balanced by a rich, crunchy minerality, the Cabrol family have proven themselves to be masters of Picpoul.
IN THE PRESS
Picpoul Classic
Gold Medal - Concours Vinalies - Occitanie 2022
Silver Medal - Concours Général Agricole - Paris 2023
Silver Medal - Concours Général Agricole - Paris 2023
