Lot presentation

Côtes du Roussillon Villages La Foun Gauby (Domaine) 2011

The wine

A hallmark of the Roussillon region, Domaine Gauby presents a single-varietal wine made from old Carignan vines planted in the late 19th century, after the infamous phylloxera crisis. Biodynamic practices encourage these vines to extract vital nutrients from deep down in marl and limestone soils.
In the winery, the main focus is to showcase the finest qualities of this old grape variety and the terroir it stems from. Traditional winemaking techniques are employed, using inert stainless steel tanks. Whole bunches are left to macerate for two weeks and fermentation is triggered by native yeasts. Pressing is performed delicately to prevent excessive extraction. After ageing in amphorae for 19 months, the wine is bottled without prior fining or filtration. This wine offers a rich array of aromas and fine tannins, resulting in perfect elegance. A remarkable minerality drawn from deep within the terroir adds freshness and length.

About the Producer Gauby

This property has gained legendary status in Roussillon. 20 kilometres from Perpignan in the middle of a large area of grassland, garrigues and forests, the 45-hectare vineyard benefits from an excellent climate and geographical position, where the coolness from the altitude (150 to 300 metres) tempers the summer heat. Furthermore, the well-preserved, still partially wild region presents a magnificent landscape. The schist, clay and marl soil allow the vines to grow very deep roots, which gives the wines additional complexity. The terroirs look over the sea to the east; the vines are planted on areas of sedimentary limestone to the north and schist to the south that exist in overlapping vertical strata. Resolute in their respect for the environment, Gérard Gauby and his son Lionel stopped using chemical treatments a long time ago, replacing insecticides and weed control products with "house" concoctions of essential oils and composts. Their focus is on elegance and freshness in the wines, and the path they have chosen would seem to be a successful one.