Domaine de Rochegrès

Here, the granite bedrock rises visibly through the vineyard, giving the site its name and distinctive identity. The vines are mainly south-east facing and planted on poor, pure pink granitic soils, forcing the roots to grow deep in search of nutrients. These demanding conditions produce naturally concentrated Gamay with structure, minerality and an expressive floral character. The domaine produces two Moulin-à-Vent cuvées, including Le Roc, sourced from parcels in La Rochelle, Au Mont and younger vines within Rochegrès. The estate combines the power and ageing potential associated with Moulin-à-Vent with the freshness, elegance and aromatic purity characteristic of Albert Bichot’s style.

Viticulture

The 4.9-hectare estate lies at the heart of the Rochegrès Climat, where vines are planted mainly on south-east-facing slopes of pure pink granite. The nutrient-poor soils encourage the roots to penetrate deeply into the granitic bedrock, naturally limiting vigour and concentrating the fruit. Vineyard parcels are managed individually according to vine age and site, preserving the distinctive mineral and floral character of this exceptional Moulin-à-Vent terroir.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand harvested and vinified with a gentle approach designed to preserve Gamay’s aromatic purity and the character of the granitic terroir. Fermentation and maceration take place in temperature-controlled open vats for 16 to 18 days. Ageing combines stainless steel with 350-litre oak barrels, the proportion and length adapted to each cuvée, before a final period in stainless steel. This restrained use of oak builds complexity and structure while retaining freshness, fruit definition and minerality.