The wonderful adventure of this passionate couple
Two lovers of nature and wine
MarjorieAndStéphane GalletTwo great wine enthusiasts have settled in theRoussillonin the municipality ofLatour-de-FranceAfter having worked respectively alongsideGérard Gaubyand atMas AmielThe couple began their own adventure. In 2001, they created the estateRock of Angelswhich then comprised 10 hectares of vineyards, including some century-old vines.
Over the years, the estate has expanded through numerous acquisitions of plots, as their clay soil results in low yields. With time, the character of their wine has become more defined and refined; the vineyard now covers 35 hectares.
Lovers of nature and the land, the couple took steps from their very first vintage to convert the vineyard intoorganicthen inbiodynamicsThey obtain the labelBiodyvinin 2011.
A terroir that gives the wines a lot of freshness
Catalan grape varieties and old vines
The 35-hectare vineyard ofRock of Angelsis located on a quartz vein in the Pyrenean foothills. The vineyards are mainly situated in the village ofMontnerThey are planted in an amphitheater shape with a northern exposure. The terroir is composed of schist soils made up of sand. This poor soil, very rich in minerals, is ideal for making white wines as it brings freshness and minerality. This schist terroir imparts a refined expression and a beautiful character to the red wines. These are made from Carignan, Grenache Noir, Serine (an old variety of Syrah), and Mourvèdre. The grape varieties are primarily Catalan. For the whites, there is Grenache Gris and Blanc, Maccabeau, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, and Carignan Gris. This schistous terroir allows the vines, averaging 65 years old, to root deeply in the earth and retain their freshness during periods of intense heat. As they like to say, “the essential is in nature.”MarjorieAndStéphaneimmediately begin the conversion of their vineyard intoorganicand inbiodynamics.
Great care was taken during the winemaking process.
Stunning wines that reflect their terroir
In the vineyard as in the winery, respect for nature and the environment is a priority for our two passionate winemakers. The grapes are harvested by hand, then sorted at the sorting table.MarjorieThey meticulously inspect the grapes before they can be taken to the winery. This is done using indigenous yeasts, which are already naturally present on the grape skins. The yield from the old vines is just 17 hl/ha, an advantage since the concentration of the wines is exceptional. In 2014, they changed location toLatour-de-Francewhere they have at their disposal a new underground winery built on a “Sacred Network.” This network, located at the intersection of underground watercourses, is so named because the altars of churches were once situated on these networks. This sacred network has beneficial effects on living beings; trees growing at this intersection exhibit remarkable growth. Four of their wines are made from single plots, and the work done on these wines is as splendid as it is rare. The wines ofRock of Angelsare enjoying increasing success; they have notably been cited by theFrench Wine Reviewas“Stunning wines, a phenomenal rise in power.”
MarjorieAndStéphane GalletThey have succeeded in raising their wines to the top; they are now alongside the best in the region!
