Rock de Carignane 2021

Rock de Carignane is the epitome of the Berlou terroir. Carignan, this regional grape variety so often criticized and uprooted over the last thirty years in Languedoc, finds its most beautiful expression here: vines over 80 years old (the oldest is almost 110 years old), a schist soil that makes them suffer and concentrate, an altitude that offers them freshness and minerality in the AOP Saint-Chinian Berlou appellation.

Where others would have uprooted these old vines to plant more profitable grape varieties, Martin Perolari, an independent winemaker in Berlou, chose to cherish them. The result is an exceptional wine that reconciles the most skeptical with this grape variety mistreated by the wine history of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Terroir & Grape Variety

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

Aromatic Profile

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

Tasting & Service

Serving Temperature

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

Aging Potential

Can be kept for 6 to 10 years — a true aging wine from Languedoc that reveals its fullness after 4 to 5 years in the cellar.

Food and Wine Pairings

Excellent pairing with rare red meats, duck breast with figs, rack of lamb with thyme, game from the Languedoc garrigues, and characterful aged cheeses. A wine worthy of great meals and exceptional moments.

AOP Saint-Chinian Berlou — Certified Organic Farming — 100% Carignan old vines 80-110 years old — Vintage 2021 — Domaine de Cambis, Berlou, Hérault