The Grenache and Syrah were harvested on the same day and co-fermented in concrete tanks. The grapes at the bottom of the tank were crushed and the remaining grapes left intact as full clusters. Fermentation began spontaneously using only the naturally occurring indigenous yeasts. After 12 days the grapes were pressed and transferred back to concrete tanks to finish fermentation. No sulfur additions were made during the vinification of this wine. Aged 8 months in concrete tanks (75%) and used French oak barrels (25%). Bottled without fining or filtration.

Domaine de la Goguette

30km due west of Avignon sits the small village of Collias. Here, on the banks of the Gardon, Julien Mary of Domaine de la Goguette is producing highly focused, atypical wines in a region that many wine enthusiasts have written off.

After several years of backpacking around the world, Julien returned to his native region in 2017 to take up an apprenticeship with Nicolas Renaud of Le Clos Grillons. Originally a university geology professor, Nicolas is renowned for his knowledge of terroir and farming. For 5 vintages Julien worked daily with Nicolas, honing his skills in the vines and in the cellar.

In late 2020 Julien acquired a long-term lease on just over 2 hectares of old vine Grenache and Syrah, rooted in sandy clay and limestone soils near the village of Collias. Soon after he was able to take over an old cellar in the heart of the village that had been the home of Domaine des Cabotines. Thus, Domaine de la Goguette was born.

Julien works his vineyards with respect for the vines and wholeheartedly believes the wine is made in the vineyard. Cover crops are left spontaneously grassed throughout the year to establish plant cover, de-compacted and draining soils, and fertile organic matter. In the winter, grazing Sheep provide weed control and natural fertilizer. The Domaine has been certified Organic since the 2022 vintage.

In the cellar, Julien takes a non-interventionist approach. He is determined to make natural wines, that represent his vision for the future of wine in the Southern Rhône. During the vinification, the wines undergo very minimal to no intervention. All fermentations begin spontaneously using only the naturally occurring indigenous yeasts.

Having the great fortune of stumbling across Julien and his wonderful wife Lisa in January 2022 is what makes this job worth doing. Perhaps never again will we be fortunate enough to taste the inaugural vintage from such a promising vigneron. These are soulful wines, and we are thrilled to be a part of the Domaine de la Goguette story.

- Terres Blanches Wine