Domaine Laguerre, located in the heart of the Roussillon region in France, is a true gem among the many wineries in the area. Founded by Éric Laguerre, this domain is known for producing some of the finest wines in the region, with a focus on showcasing the unique terroir of the high-altitude mountain vineyards.
Since taking over his family's 40 hectares of vineyards in 1999, Éric Laguerre has been dedicated to creating exceptional wines using traditional and natural methods. Along with his wife Corinne, he has restored and replanted most of the vine-land, resulting in organically-farmed and naturally-made artisanal wines that offer incredible value.
To truly experience the essence of Domaine Laguerre, one must take a journey to the small village of Saint Martin de Fenouillet, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by breathtaking views. Here, visitors can witness first-hand the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle of wine. The vineyards, situated at an altitude of 500 meters, boast an average vine age of 40 years and are planted with Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Roussanne, and Macabeu.
The unique terroir of the region, with its acidic gneiss and granite soils, combined with the cool climate and Éric's expert farming techniques, results in wines that are bright, balanced, and deeply complex. The grapes are hand-harvested in the early morning to maintain freshness and then carefully sorted before being brought to the cellar for fermentation with natural yeast. The wines are then aged in a variety of vessels, including fibre tanks, concrete tanks, and old oak demi-muid.
At Domaine Laguerre, the focus is on producing both white and red wines that truly capture the essence of the Roussillon region. The white blends, such as "Le Ciste Blanc" and "Eos Blanc," offer a perfect balance of purity, weight, and ripe fruit flavors, while the reds, including the elegant "Eos Rouge," are a blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah that showcase the unique characteristics of the terroir.
Despite being relatively undiscovered, Domaine Laguerre's wines have gained a loyal following among those who appreciate quality and value. With a range of entry-level and premium cuvées available, there truly is a wine for every occasion. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for 10+ years, the wines of Domaine Laguerre are sure to delight and impress.
Pascaline Lepeltier MS, renowned Master Sommelier, has expressed her love and admiration for Domaine Laguerre and its wines, describing them as a "treat" and a testament to the dedication and care put into every bottle. It is no wonder that Domaine Laguerre has become a beloved producer among wine enthusiasts and continues to gain recognition for its exceptional offerings.