Roquebrun Cellar

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The Saint Chinian Roquebrun appellation is distinguished by its schist terroir. Considered one of the major crus of Languedoc, its very high-quality wine reputation is essentially driven by the dynamic Cave de Roquebrun.

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Schists as terroir

Roquebrun is a small village in the upper reaches of the Hérault region, with a population of around 600. Perched above a bend in the Orb River as it meanders below, the village clings to the southern foothills of the Caroux and Espinouse massifs . On this southern slope of the Massif Central , a typical Mediterranean garrigue scrubland covers the schist hills. On the gentler slopes, it gives way to the Saint Chinian Roquebrun vineyards , which unfold in undulations around the village. The toponymy, which has seen a succession of names such as Rocha-bruna and Rocabrunum, unambiguously evokes the geology of a terroir dominated by brown schist. It is therefore understandable that the unique minerality of the soils contributes to the distinctive character of the wines produced by the Roquebrun Winery.

Minerality as character

On these arid hills, where irrigation has only recently become widespread, viticulture has established itself as a vital resource. It has united the men and women of the region, bound by a natural solidarity that led them to create the Roquebrun Winery in 1967. Today, some seventy winegrowers contribute to the vitality of the vineyard, whose production is largely ensured by their collective efforts. Together, they tend a heritage of 700 hectares of vines, mostly facing due south. The vineyard, clinging to the hillsides, thrives at altitudes ranging from the level of the Orb River to peaks approaching 300 meters. For the red wines produced under the Saint Chinian Roquebrun appellation , the main grape varieties are Syrah and Grenache, supported by Mourvèdre and Carignan. The terroir also produces white wines vinified under AOC Saint Chinian, AOC Languedoc or IGP Pays d'Oc which express this singular minerality that Grenache blanc, Roussanne or Viognier know how to capture in the schists.

The fruit as affirmation

One of the unique features of the Roquebrun Winery is its state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, which prioritize carbonic maceration for red wines and skin contact maceration for white wines. These winemaking methods contribute to forging the distinctive hallmark of the Roquebrun Winery : a rich expression of fruit. The highly qualitative approach to winemaking and aging has resulted in a consistent and prestigious list of awards. It's important to remember that, within the Saint-Chinian appellation, the Roquebrun designation distinguishes one of the Languedoc 's major wines . In this respect, the winery is exemplary, fulfilling its role as an ambassador and promoter of an exceptional terroir without compromise. This exemplary quality is confirmed by the tasting experience. The wines on display are numerous, and the shop itself offers the best selection. Among the most demonstrative, however, it is worth mentioning these few vintages whose name carries within it the evocation of the terroir: Baron d'Aupenac , Pépites de Schistes , Grange des Combes , Roches Noires for the red wines, or Terres d'Orb , Col de l'Orb for the white and rosé wines.