The Story:

For sheer picturesque beauty, this domaine is hard to beat. There are panoramic views out to the Espinouse mountains on one side and the Mediterranean on the other; as well as being dedicated winemakers, the domaine is also a member of the league for the protection of birds; hoopoes enjoy the fact that the long-term biodynamic policy has left an abundance of insects in the vineyards! Its terroir is close to Pezenas and so, depending on the composition of the wines, they can come out as IGP Côtes de Thongue, AOP Pezenas, or even vin de France.

Their basic range is Canon Huppé, using single varietals, but I didn’t taste them. Of the assemblages, broadly speaking, the whites are Côtes de Thongue, and the reds are AOP Pezenas, so I’ll lead with the whites.

No bargains to be had among these whites, but interesting use of Rhone grapes, marsanne and roussanne, both in their ‘Plaisirs’ white (Price Band B), and – better, the ‘Felicité’ white (Price Band D), which is beautifully balanced. The top white, ‘Emocion’ (Price Band D), blends viognier and sauvignon together in what is a bit of a classic fit for the Cotes de Thongue and is a lovely wine.

The rosés are from cinsault, syrah and Grenache as are the reds, and the range is the same: ‘Plaisirs’ at basic (Price Band B), ‘Felicité’ with more complexity and then ‘Emocion’ at the top (broth Price Band D) . Above them are two single varietals of full extracation, Grenache de Gabrielle, and Marselan de Margot, of which the grenache is the star (Price Band DD). Really worth it, as well, is their late harvest grenache, Delice, which is a Maury-lookalike, sweet but fresh, and an absolute delight. (Price Band D)

As well as her work with the domaine, Alice Barbier also has a side hustle as one of “Les Papilleuses”, a wine education/ selling outfit, that has stalls at local farmers’ markets, runs local wine events and runs a blog, which you can check out here: www.lespapilleuses.fr.