Grapes: Cinsault
Region: VDF (Languedoc)
Vintage: 2023
Viticulture: Organic
Soils: Schistes + Argilo Calcaire
Vinification: Carbonic Maceration
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None
Notes about the winemaker: Yannick Pelletier is a highly regarded natural winemaker based in the Saint-Chinian appellation of the Languedoc region in southern France. After working in the wine trade and gaining experience under renowned vignerons like Didier Barral, he established his own domaine in 2004. From the beginning, Pelletier committed to organic viticulture, low-intervention winemaking, and a deep respect for terroir, distinguishing his wines from the often over-extracted, high-alcohol styles traditionally associated with the region.
Pelletier farms 15 hectares of vineyards planted on a mix of limestone, schist, and clay soils, which contribute to the complexity and minerality of his wines. His parcels are spread across different microclimates, allowing for a diverse range of expressions. The vineyards are cultivated without synthetic chemicals, and all work is done manually, including hand-harvesting. Yannick embraces biodiversity, ensuring that his vines coexist with wild plants and beneficial insects, fostering a balanced ecosystem.
In the cellar, Pelletier follows natural winemaking principles, using native yeasts for fermentation and minimal intervention throughout the process. His wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, with little to no added sulfur. He favors gentle extraction methods, avoiding excessive tannins and allowing the purity of the fruit to shine. Aging occurs in neutral vessels, such as stainless steel or older barrels, ensuring that oak influence does not overpower the delicate nuances of the terroir.
