A confident performance from Roussillon producers
The Wines of Roussillon trade and press tasting and two Roussillon masterclasses took place in London on 30th June.
The wines of 12 producers seeking distribution in the UK were presented to trade and press visitors in London last week. Visitors enjoyed being re-acquainted with Roussillon’s still dry and fortified sweet wines with many commenting on how far the region had come in its ability to express its true character and show off its unique strengths. Less reliance on international varieties, an accent on terroir-driven wines, the development of organic and other environmentally-sound practices is driving Roussillon’s winemaking forward. Stocks of old vines and a treasure-trove of indigenous varieties coupled with ancestral know-how, results in exceptional wines with good ageing potential. Roussillon’s Vins Doux Naturels are a perfect illustration of the region’s ‘savoir-faire’.
The 12 producers from Roussillon whose wines were presented on the day all have their own personal stories. A mix of big and small growers, ranging from a 6-hectare family-run vineyard to a 2,100 hectares cooperative, they are all driven by the same passion and desire to produce high quality wines with character and typicity. For most, it’s a family affair with vineyards run by the same name for generations. For others, it’s the attraction of a new region or way of life.
But for all our Roussillon producers, it is mainly a love affair with their ancestral or adopted terroirs and their surrounding natural beauty. Many practice ‘viticulture raisonnée’, are in conversion to organic or already hold full organic or HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certifications. 25% of all Roussillon vineyards are already certified organic.
If you missed or couldn’t make it to our event, you can still catch-up with our producers and their wines via our online catalogue: Bottlebooks Event Directory (wines-of-roussillon-tasting-2021.netlify.app)
