Côtes Catalanes Roc des Anges Pi Vell Marjorie et Stéphane Gallet 2018

Lot presentation

Côtes Catalanes Roc des Anges Pi Vell Marjorie et Stéphane Gallet 2018

The wine

The Maccabeu vines were planted in 1947 on shallow schist soil in the midst of a breathtaking landscape. Planted next to an old fir tree (‘pi vell’ in Catalan), facing the Pic de Burgarach, the vines draw all the energy and minerality from the poor soils. Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet grow their vines biodynamically, the grapes are harvested by hand before a careful sorting process. The wine has a bright, yellow colour and the nose gives off aromas of yellow fruits and white flowers. The palate is vibrant with a salty hint and remarkable finesse. You can pair this wine with any kind of delicate dish, it goes nicely with salmon for example. You can enjoy it tomorrow or in ten years time, and it will be wonderful!

This domaine, established in 2001 by Marjorie Gallet, has a very evocative name. Located in Montner, in the Roussillon, it boasts 25 hectares of old grape varieties (Carignan, Grenache, Maccabeu, and Syrah) which exude depth and character. Struck by the Roussillon region’s “violent nature”, and charmed by the diversity of its terroirs, she is forging ahead with her husband Stéphane, motivated by the clear conviction that “nature is fundamental, the place confers its energy to the wine, the Roussillon light brightens without burning”. Biodynamic principles are applied in order to produce wines in her image, “at once strong and elegant”. Although the region experiences high summer temperatures, the grapes remain unscathed. The presence of old schist allows the vines to develop long roots and tap cooler depths. Yields are limited to 15-20hl/ha, making these wines intensely concentrated. Since 2008, Marjorie Gallet has been assisted by Stéphane and they tend the parcels organically (having achieved certification in 2011) and biodynamically (certified in 2013). In the cellar, the aim is to retain as much of the freshness of the fruit as possible using simple but precise ageing techniques. This fine, innovative domaine is definitely one to check out.
At the end of 2023, the couple gave up a part of the estate to Thibault Ponthier. They have been accompanying the new owner for several years now.