Domaine Cazes 'Rolle in Stone' Vermentino, Côtes Catalanes, France 2024
Domaine Cazes is a pioneering biodynamic estate founded in 1895 by Michel Cazes in Rivesaltes, in the heart of Roussillon between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. What began as a small family vineyard has evolved through four generations into one of the region's most respected producers, now extending over 220 hectares. The estate's transformation into a leader in French biodynamic viticulture began in 1997 under the direction of Emmanuel Cazes, Bernard's son, with full organic and biodynamic certification achieved in 2005. Today, winemaker Lionel Lavail and general manager of the estate work with a dedicated team that treats each vineyard block as a standalone microcosm, ensuring the diverse terroirs of Roussillon shine through in every bottle. The estate has earned over 400 medals since 1960 and has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a joyful approach to winemaking that celebrates both tradition and experimentation.
- WINEMAKER: Lionel Lavail (Winemaker and General Manager)
- FARMING: Certified Organic and Biodynamic (certified since 2005); 20+ years of biodynamic farming practices
- VARIETY: Rolle (Vermentino) 100%
- TERROIR: T The vineyard sits on a distinctive terroir of galets roulés (rolled stones/pebbles) over clay-limestone soils. This terroir of rounded river stones is referenced directly in the wine's playful name, a clever wordplay on "Rock & Roll" that also describes the geological character of the site. The vineyard is ideally positioned at the crossing of mid-slope terraces of the Agly Valley, benefiting from Mediterranean warmth while maintaining freshness from elevation. The clay-limestone base strewn with schist detritus and siliceous pebbles provides excellent drainage and mineral expression, perfectly suited for producing high-quality, fresh white wines from this late-ripening variety.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are harvested at night to preserve maximum freshness and aromatic purity. The fruit undergoes direct pressing followed by cold settling (débourbage à froid) to clarify the juice. Fermentation takes place at controlled cool temperatures between 16-19°C in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine's delicate floral and fruit aromatics while maintaining natural freshness.
- AGING: The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks on fine lees for three months, adding texture and complexity while maintaining the bright, fruit-forward character intended for this cuvée. No oak is used, allowing the pure expression of the Rolle grape and its terroir to remain the focus.
- TASTING NOTES: Pale yellow with brilliant green highlights. The nose is elegant and expressive, offering a captivating bouquet of floral and fruit aromas including acacia flowers, white peach, nectarine, and a hint of citrus zest with notes of fresh lemon. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied, fresh, and immediately pleasing with a slightly oily texture characteristic of the variety. Yellow peach dominates the palate, complemented by floral notes and bright citrus fruits that build to a pleasantly acidic, lively finish. The wine is dry with minimal residual sugar, showing beautiful balance between fruit richness and refreshing acidity with subtle mineral undertones from the stony terroir. This is a joyful, uncomplicated wine designed for immediate pleasure and convivial moments.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: The wine's freshness and light body make it excellent as an aperitif on its own. Pair with shellfish, scallop carpaccio, ceviche, grilled white fish, shrimp and mango appetizers, sushi, light pasta dishes with pesto, or Mediterranean vegetable preparations. The wine's bright acidity and mineral character work beautifully with coastal cuisine and dishes featuring citrus, herbs, and olive oil.
Domaine Cazes 'Rolle in Stone' Vermentino, Côtes Catalanes, France 2024
Domaine Cazes is a pioneering biodynamic estate founded in 1895 by Michel Cazes in Rivesaltes, in the heart of Roussillon between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. What began as a small family vineyard has evolved through four generations into one of the region's most respected producers, now extending over 220 hectares. The estate's transformation into a leader in French biodynamic viticulture began in 1997 under the direction of Emmanuel Cazes, Bernard's son, with full organic and biodynamic certification achieved in 2005. Today, winemaker Lionel Lavail and general manager of the estate work with a dedicated team that treats each vineyard block as a standalone microcosm, ensuring the diverse terroirs of Roussillon shine through in every bottle. The estate has earned over 400 medals since 1960 and has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a joyful approach to winemaking that celebrates both tradition and experimentation.
- WINEMAKER: Lionel Lavail (Winemaker and General Manager)
- FARMING: Certified Organic and Biodynamic (certified since 2005); 20+ years of biodynamic farming practices
- VARIETY: Rolle (Vermentino) 100%
- TERROIR: T The vineyard sits on a distinctive terroir of galets roulés (rolled stones/pebbles) over clay-limestone soils. This terroir of rounded river stones is referenced directly in the wine's playful name, a clever wordplay on "Rock & Roll" that also describes the geological character of the site. The vineyard is ideally positioned at the crossing of mid-slope terraces of the Agly Valley, benefiting from Mediterranean warmth while maintaining freshness from elevation. The clay-limestone base strewn with schist detritus and siliceous pebbles provides excellent drainage and mineral expression, perfectly suited for producing high-quality, fresh white wines from this late-ripening variety.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are harvested at night to preserve maximum freshness and aromatic purity. The fruit undergoes direct pressing followed by cold settling (débourbage à froid) to clarify the juice. Fermentation takes place at controlled cool temperatures between 16-19°C in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine's delicate floral and fruit aromatics while maintaining natural freshness.
- AGING: The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks on fine lees for three months, adding texture and complexity while maintaining the bright, fruit-forward character intended for this cuvée. No oak is used, allowing the pure expression of the Rolle grape and its terroir to remain the focus.
- TASTING NOTES: Pale yellow with brilliant green highlights. The nose is elegant and expressive, offering a captivating bouquet of floral and fruit aromas including acacia flowers, white peach, nectarine, and a hint of citrus zest with notes of fresh lemon. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied, fresh, and immediately pleasing with a slightly oily texture characteristic of the variety. Yellow peach dominates the palate, complemented by floral notes and bright citrus fruits that build to a pleasantly acidic, lively finish. The wine is dry with minimal residual sugar, showing beautiful balance between fruit richness and refreshing acidity with subtle mineral undertones from the stony terroir. This is a joyful, uncomplicated wine designed for immediate pleasure and convivial moments.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: The wine's freshness and light body make it excellent as an aperitif on its own. Pair with shellfish, scallop carpaccio, ceviche, grilled white fish, shrimp and mango appetizers, sushi, light pasta dishes with pesto, or Mediterranean vegetable preparations. The wine's bright acidity and mineral character work beautifully with coastal cuisine and dishes featuring citrus, herbs, and olive oil.