Cotes Catalan is possibly one of the most exciting and understated IGPs in the Languedoc and even in the whole of the South of France. Stretching from the base of the Pyrenees down to the Mediterranean coast it covers a range of Mediterranean terroirs surrounded by garrigue-covered hills and poor, dry soils. The hot climate, with low annual rainfall, ensures that the native varieties of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Rousanne, Viogner and Carignan ripen with concentration and power, whilst a fresh breeze up from the Med and down from the mountains ensures freshness and acidity. In the best sites, old vines and schistous soils, produce intensely mineral, flavourful and powerful reds and whites unlike any others. Domaine Modat is a small, family-run winery in the commune of Cassagnes, nestled in the Agly Valley, 30km west of Perpignan at an altitude of 200-300m. Since founding the estate in 2007, Philippe Modat has worked the vineyards organically—achieving certification in 2014—and biodynamically, though without official certification. Today, the estate is in the capable hands of his dynamic and hard-working sons. The vineyards, composed primarily of well-drained Gneiss soils, are home to a range of indigenous Roussillon varieties, including remarkable 115-year-old Carignan. Over the last decade, the family has built a modern, carbon-neutral winery and deepened their commitment to biodynamic viticulture, focusing on restrained extraction, wild yeast fermentation, and minimal sulphur use. With 24 hectares under vine, meticulous selection is a priority. A green harvest is carried out before the main harvest, and all grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. The Petit Mod’Amour wines are vinified entirely in stainless steel, while others see time in oak. Domaine Modat remains relatively under the radar, yet they produce a striking range of beautifully textured wines—delicate, fresh, and full of southern charm. || Tasting note: Soft white fruit; baked apples and pears; fresh pastry; warm custard. Vanilla. Clean; juicy and fresh palate; little spice; pointed acidity; silky texture. Green apple finish with power. || Winemaking Detail: Hand harvested in the morning in order to preserve maximum freshness, followed by a manual sorting and pressing all in the morning. Second load is stored in a refrigerated container to be pressed very early the following morning (3-4am). Whole bunch pressed for 6 hours. Cold stabilized for 24-48 hours, followed by fermentation and ageing in demi-muids (600l) and oak foudres. || Features Apple Pear Vanilla Pastry Creamy
Related
Related
Related
Related