The Languedoc-Roussillon region is actually two very distinct regions lumped together by proximity. The Languedoc is much larger and clearly the rugged southern extension of France. But what makes the region of Roussillon, and particularly... Read More

The Languedoc-Roussillon region is actually two very distinct regions lumped together by proximity. The Languedoc is much larger and clearly the rugged southern extension of France. But what makes the region of Roussillon, and particularly the wines of Domaine Gauby, so distinct and remarkable is that they demonstrate the porosity of political boundaries and the fluidity of culture, specifically that of the Catalan people.

Catalan people come from a large region that covers a portion of the western Mediterranean coast from south eastern Spain, over the Pyrenees into southwestern France. Their language and traditions are very much distinct from those of France and Spain, but with influences of both.

The same can be said for their wines. The red wines are made of Carignan, Grenache and Mourvedre (among other varieties) just as many of the wines over the border in Spain. In Spain, Catalan wines have gained world acclaim while their French counterparts have languished in relative obscurity. But wineries like Domaine Gauby are poised to change all that.

Domaine Gauby has been a standard bearer of the region since the early 1980’s. Gerard Gauby and his son Lionel farm their land biodynamically on an isolated and rather desolate tract outside the village of Calce in the Agly Valley. Here they continue to make wine in very much the same way those before them had.

Only horses plough these vineyards. When it comes to fertilization and pest control there is a cow to make compost, and nettle teas reduce the need for copper-based fungal treatments. An easy and non-toxic insect repellent is made by spraying infusions of rosemary and thyme on the vines. They don't use stainless steel; only concrete and wood, including old wooden fermenters and well-used foudres for neutral storage. Just as it was, so it continues to be.