Rock de Carignane 2021

Rock de Carignane is the very essence of the Berlou terroir. Carignan, the regional grape variety so often disparaged and grubbed up over the past thirty years in the Languedoc, finds here its finest expression: vines over 80 years old (the oldest is close to 110), a schist soil that makes them struggle and concentrate, and an altitude that gives them freshness and minerality in the AOP Saint-Chinian Berlou appellation.

Where others would have pulled up these old vines to plant more profitable varieties, Martin Perolari, an independent winegrower in Berlou, chose to cherish them. The result is an exceptional wine that reconciles even the most sceptical with a grape variety mistreated by the winegrowing history of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Terroir & Grape Variety

100% old-vine Carignan (80 to 110 years old), grown under certified organic farming on the brown schist of the AOP Saint-Chinian Berlou appellation (Hérault). Naturally low yields (15-20 hl/ha) concentrate the aromas and soften the tannins. A pure terroir wine that expresses all the power and finesse of the old grape varieties of the Languedoc on schist. Proof that Carignan, when treated with respect on the right soils, becomes one of the finest grape varieties in the south of France.

Aromatic Profile

A deep garnet colour with violet glints. The nose is intense and refined: gunflint, garrigue flowers (lavender, rosemary), then red and black fruits. The palate opens on a silky attack — a surprise for a Carignan — and reveals melted tannins wrapped around aromas of red fruits, fig and sweet spices. A long mineral and complex finish, the signature of the great schist wines of Saint-Chinian Berlou.

Tasting & Serving

Serving temperature

Serve between 16 and 18°C. Ideally decanted 30 minutes before serving to let all the complexity of this organic Carignan from Berlou express itself.

Ageing potential

Can be kept for 6 to 10 years — a true Languedoc wine for laying down, which reveals its fullness after 4 to 5 years in the cellar.

Food Pairings

An outstanding match with rare red meats, duck breast with figs, rack of lamb with thyme, game from the garrigues of the Languedoc, and mature cheeses with character. A wine worthy of great gatherings and exceptional moments.

AOP Saint-Chinian Berlou — certified Agriculture Biologique (certified organic) — 100% old-vine Carignan 80-110 years — 2021 vintage — Domaine de Cambis, Berlou, Hérault