Clairette

One of the most well respected vignerons naturels in Languedoc, Rémi's philosophy is simple: Le Temps Fait Tout, "Time Does It All". He is a quiet and thoughtful man, who makes wines that reflect his personality. Also a member of S.A.I.N.S., he is commited to not adding or removing anything from the raw grapes. Rémi has 6ha near the town of Pezenas in Herault, where he grows Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Terret.

In the hills of Avignon, around the village of St Remy de Provence that was once famously frequented by Van Gogh, lives another kind of protégé. Henri Milan has more or less been a vigneron since birth, planting his first vine at the age of 8 and taking over from his father in 1986. His work in the vineyard shows his complete respect for nature and terroir: practicing biodynamics on the land and being the first in his family to decide to vinify the parcels separately, revealing their outstanding individual potential.

In 1993, Philippe de Roy du Bliquy, an advertising mogul from Paris, was on the hunt for some vineyards and stumbled upon the then run-down Domaine de Villeneuve in the northern corner of Chateauneuf-du-Pape close to Chateau de Beaucastel. Together with a good friend, Stanislas Wallut and their families, they began restoring the 8.5ha, using biodynamic practices to heal the vines which are now certified Biodynamic by Ecocert. Only a small amount of vines had to be replanted, which means that nearly all of the vines are now between 30-100 years old.

Château de Roquefort has passed hands many times since it was built, now under ownership by Raimond de Villeneuve. The history of the château has a rich agricultural past, and was also involved with the old silk worm production. Today, winemaking is the primary focus. The 25 ha of vineyard are located on the edge of Bandol in a sort of amphitheater on clay and limestone. This affords the vines their own microclimate, and grapes are slow to ripen at the altitude of 1000ft. Raimond plants the usual Provencial suspects along with brave recent plantings of Cabernet Franc for kicks.

Just North-East of Beziers, Domaine Julien Peyras is making some truly fantastic wines. As a member of S.A.I.N.S (the zero everything crew), he is comitted to making wines with minimal intervention as his nieghbour and mentor Bernard Bellahsen has done for decades. Farming 8ha of hillside terraced vineyard on clay-limestone, Julien farms Languedoc-Rousillon favourites Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, Clairette, Syrah, Grenache blanc and Roussane all from 40+ year old vines.

From Bee Keeper to influential vigneron, Eric Pfifferling lives a life as close to nature as any. His work demonstrates energy, life and precise craftsmanship. Eric inherited 4ha of ancient vines from his grandmother in Southern Rhone's Tavel in 1988, later adding 3ha in Lirac. The soils are rich with gallets, identical to those found in neighbouring Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Initially Eric sold off his fruit to the local cooperative in Tavel, before deciding to making his own wine. After many trials, his first proper vintage was 2002. In the cellar, Eric is unique.