After reading Hérault’s rich and vibrant landscape is reflected in the flavour of
its wines by Harriet O'Brien (Independent, April 20), I followed the trail of some of the producers she mentions.
I ended up spending more time with Domaine d'Emile et Rose, attracted by their down to earth and organic nature and an intriguing or should I say rare white, a Carignan Blanc.
Carignan Blanc varietal is a mutation from the red Carignan.
I cannot remember ever tasting any wine made with that grape which is said to produce a dry white.
Caroline and Marcel took over the property in 2004 and named it after Caroline's grandparents.
Another one of their wines, a red, exists because of a case of mistaken identity.
Marcel was looking for a Cinsault vineyard for their '5 Seaux' cuvee and bought instead a plot planted with Aramon. It gave birth to their Aramon 2009.
This vineyard will not be certified organic for another 3 years.
Besides wine, they also produce asparagus and tomatoes.
To give credit where it's due, I found valuable information on this property via Vins Etonnants, a French site dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines).
Interested in local varietals from Sud de France, you might want to check Carignan Renaissance which lists 147 Carignans (Red) including 43 outside France and their producers.
(* Domaine d'Emile et Rose site is in French only)