RAFALOT, 2017

In 2001 we decided to purchase our very own vineyard in the Roussillon region of France, in the heart of the Agly Valley, South of France. Our vineyard spreads across 6 hectares (about 15 acres). The isolated location of the vines between forest and steep rocky hills allows us to work in « partnership » with the surrounding countryside. Each plot is fenced to protect our crops from wild boar and deer. Year after year, flora and fauna is increasing in biodiversity. We do not use chemical fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides or any other synthetic molecule. Weeding is done manually, the pruning is adapted to each individual vine and we plough only once a year, in winter. Our main focus is to help the vines find their own balance between what they produce and the ground supporting them. We only harvest in the cool of the morning in small crates. The grapes are handpicked when they reach their utmost gustatory and phenolic maturity. We sort them in the vineyard before taking them to the cellar to stay at a low temperatures overnight.