• I’ve always liked stories that remind you of something straight out of a Giono novel, taking place in an idyllic setting in the heart of the garrigue, between sweet, intense, almost harsh scents, and sea breezes arriving to calm the atmosphere. Perfect surroundings for a “child” author in search of an ideal scenery.

The setting is none other than the village of CALCE. The location bears a mineral-sounding name, marking its singularity. The history of our land has been largely derived from its geologic origins. The near-by sea is the mother of this limestone plateau. And in the distance it’s possible to see the Corbières ranges, which were slightly pushed away by the tumultuous birth of the Pyrenees. The latter proudly overlook Calce from the peak of the Canigou, pale from having tormented the area’s former serenity.

• It’s still possible to find tectonic remnants of this turbulent time throughout the terroir of Calce. Indeed, the string of faults have resulted in valleys streaked with rainbow coloured marl, contrasted by brown schist.

It’s possible to read a landscape as if it were a book, a painting or a sculpture. Just let yourself be guided by your senses. Sight, smell, hearing, touch. However one is still missing! Taste. I’m quite attracted by the idea of tasting the earth or rock. But it’s still necessary to find a link between these elements, the sky, the earth and our senses. Why not ask this shrivelled and tortured-looking rootstock? It’s been here for so long it gives the impression of digging its long roots down into the heart of the rock.

So this is the start to a long adventure. I’m what you might call a winemaking apprentice. I first caught the bug at Mas Amiel in Maury. I discovered the wealth offered by the area of Roussillon, the quality of its terroirs and its grape varieties. And then it was under the wing of Gerard Gauby that I further developed my winemaking expertise, realising that it was here in Calce that I could make my dream come true.

• As I’m naturally curious, I want to understand exactly what is happening in each small corner of limestone, or each parcel of schist, or of marl. How is it that Grenache gris is more expressive than its white cousin? And that Carignans and Grenache noirs have so perfectly well adapted to this Catalan countryside? And what encouraged Syrah to settle down in such a torrid climate?

6.5 hectares divided into 20 or so parcels make for good reading to start with. In view of obtaining a true expression of the terroir hidden under the vineyard, it’s necessary to respect the site, to respect the soil through skilful cultivation to ensure its rejuvenation and to respect the plant and its abundantly rich environment. It’s also important to work in harmony with the area in view of obtaining its quintessence and the best possible grapes, by allowing the climate, soil and plants to fully express themselves. My role is that of being the best possible guide.

This is both a natural and cultural avenue allowing the grape to express its full complexity through its transformation into wine. No racism here, both white and red, made and matured on a boutique scale in line with the size of the parcels. So that wine can indeed become a genuine mosaic...