Domain Rotier

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In Cadalen, in the Gaillac wine region , Domaine Rotier stands out as much for its gravelly terroir as for its organic viticulture certification. The meticulous work in the vineyard and the careful selection of grape varieties result in appellation wines with refined aging.

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Terroir

Domaine Rotier 's reputation in the Gaillac terroir is the result of patient work by two generations of winemakers. Today, Alain Rotier and his brother-in-law, Francis Marre, jointly oversee the vineyard. Alain focuses on managing the winery, while Francis takes particular care of the vines. These vines flourish in gravelly soils deposited layer by layer by layer by the Tarn River over time. These silty gravels, with their excellent drainage properties, have encouraged the planting of suitable grape varieties. Typical of the Gaillac appellation , Duras for the red wines and Loin de l'Œil for the white wines find ideal soil and a perfect climate here. These grape varieties, typical of the Gaillac appellation , are at the heart of the winemaking process. They are complemented by Braucol , Prunelart , or Syrah for the red wines, while Sauvignon Blanc enriches the white wines. The harmony between the grape varieties and these gravelly soils is the foundation upon which the reputation of wines produced at Domaine Rotier has been built.

The vine

The Domaine Rotier vineyard is meticulously cared for. It spans 35 hectares spread across the communes of Cadalen and Florentin. In these vineyards , certified organic since 2012, cover crops are essential. Oats, rapeseed, vetch, and mustard coexist with native flora, each contributing to the vitality and richness of the soils. A commitment to ever-greater biodiversity is prioritized. The planting of hedgerows and fruit trees further enriches the environment. The vines themselves have been planted at greater density, thus limiting the number of bunches per vine and maximizing the concentration of their fruit. This virtuous approach also provides a reserve of expression, the evident richness of which is revealed in the wines of Domaine Rotier . Among the grape varieties, Duras and Loin de l'Œil , perfectly suited to this gravelly plateau, form the core of the winemaking process.

The mind

At Domaine Rotier, vinification takes place in both tanks and barrels. This clearly defines the expression of the wines. In the foreground, fruit is enhanced by aging in concrete tanks. In the background, complexity emerges from the blending process or the subtle influence of oak. Among the reds, the Gravels wines represent the first expression of Duras blended with Syrah, Braucol, and Prunelart. The Esquisse cuvée pushes the expression of Duras even further: lightly supported by Braucol and Syrah, this wine opens with the full expression of fruit followed by spices, preserved by the absence of sulfites. From aging in oak or acacia barrels, Domaine Rotier produces wines whose complexity rests on a beautiful balance. The Renaissance cuvée , for example, is aged for 12 months in barrels. Then there's L' Âme , a Duras supported by Braucol, first fermented in open barrels, then aged in wood to develop a complex and velvety bouquet that represents the highest expression of the Domaine. Add to that the freshness of a well-structured dry white and the enchantment of the exceptional sweet whites at Domaine Rotier . The Renaissance cuvée in particular, whose slightly coppery gold hue hints at the brilliance of honey and the aromatic power of a 100% Loin de l'Œil, magnified by late harvesting.

The Domaine Rotier in video

Alain Rotier takes us on a journey to discover the Gaillac terroir in the Lagrave and Cadalen area. We have the opportunity to follow the winemaker in his vineyards and to grasp the close link that unites the gravelly soil, indigenous grape varieties, and Gaillac wines.