In Baixas in Roussillon, the Dom Brial winery testifies to the vitality of winegrowers' groups in Catalan country. Its production is divided into three categories, encompassing red, white and rosé wines as well as naturally sweet wines.
Dom Brial the collective
The history of Dom Brial is deeply rooted in the winemaking tradition of Roussillon. The collective of winemakers first joined forces in 1907 during the memorable crisis in the vineyards. From this historic grouping emerged the current structure in 1923. It took the name Dom Brial in homage to the 18th - century Benedictine monk and historian who was a benefactor of the village community. The strong expression of a local identity, which is above all that of the soil and climate, has been the unifying force for the winemakers. Today, nearly 250 of them passionately cultivate a 2100-hectare vineyard. The naturally sweet wines , a tradition in the Roussillon region, produce some excellent vintages. But since the region has benefited from appellations reserved for red, white, and rosé wines , these are now inseparable from the quality signatures of the estate.
Wines in three families
At Dom Brial , the tasting room reflects the structure of the wines and terroirs, which are presented in three distinct areas. Three display cases showcase them, beginning with the Dom Brial collection itself. This is complemented by the collection of wines from Château les Pins, as well as the unique Rozy rosé , a world and a story all its own. Soil diversity, the geographical distribution of the vineyards, and winemaking methods allow for a range of wines across several appellations: Côtes du Roussillon , Côtes du Roussillon Villages , Rivesaltes , Muscat de Rivesaltes , and, on a broader scale, Côtes Catalanes . While Roussillon wines are often associated with reds where Grenache plays a prominent role, the Baixas region is also a beautiful terroir for white wines, where Grenache Blanc and Gris, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier thrive. Let us add to the inventory of grape varieties Muscat à petit grains, whose aromatic potential will suit Muscat de Rivesaltes as well as Rozy rosé, whose joyful bouquet it discreetly marks.
Dom Brial in vintages
In the universe Dom brial each appellation finds its range. The Côtes du Roussillon of course with L'Étreinte in three colors and Mirade in white. Mirade red marks the entry into the Côtes du Roussillon Villages whose typicity becomes denser with vintage vintages from the vines of Crest Small. This terroir acquired in the 2000s, predominantly limestone, has as an ambassador a red wine reconciling beautiful freshness and length in the mouth. Made from 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, matured in demi-muids for 12 months, it is certainly one of the signatures with a strong identity of Dom brial. This expertise and this know-how of the winegrowers are found in the entire range of wines in the universe. Chateau les Pins, no longer inscribed in the heritage memory. The art of the vintage then returns to Rivesaltes Grande Reserve. The number 9 holds a very special place there where since 1959 the tradition of highlighting each decennial cuvée has been perpetuated: 1969, 1979, etc. Interspersed with other intermediate dates, this collection of Rivesaltes is certainly unique and exciting to explore. The vinification of Rivesaltes also generates a very unique cuvée, built on this tradition which consisted in maturing under an oxidative regime the balance of musts that were not mutated. Relative of that of sailing wines or in yellow wines, the technique generates a Dry Rancio which is a taste and aromatic experience in itself. As for the search for bouquets full of freshness and tinted with the Catalonia sun, it is with the Muscat from Rivesaltes signed Dom brial ou Chateau les Pins that it finds material.