AOC Languedoc: Domaine de Roquemale 'Meli Melo' 2022
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An inspired discovery from a foray into the heart of the Languedoc, from old-vine Alicante Bouschet. Think of it as a quaffable, sun-kissed Beaujolais of the South!
Certified as an organic wine.
In 2001, Dominique & Valérie Ibanez purchased an 11 hectare block of vines at Villeveyrac, which lies just north of the Bassin de Thau, between Pinet and Montpellier. Having restored the 100-year old cellar and converted the estate to organic viticulture (certified in 2007), they are now producing a terrific range of wines from 25+ year old, low-yielding (average 25hl/ha) vines.
Quite rightly, their achievements have been recognized by the Guide Hachette, Revue des Vins de France and Bettane and Dessauve.
| Style | Red Wine, Sec, Light-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | Languedoc, Hérault |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Alicante |
| Food & Wine Matching | Charcuterie, Cheese, Olives, Pasta, Salads |
| Viticulture | Organic |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Cellarage | Drink 2023 to 2025. |
| Vinification | Hand-harvested grapes are de-stemmed, macerated for only half a day (such is the colour extraction from this variety) and then vinified in stainless steel and fibreglass tanks. |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 13 |
Domaine de Roquemale
In 2001, Dominique & Valérie Ibanez purchased 10 hectares of vines in the village of Villeveyrac, just south-west of Montpellier. The vines are situated in a small valley behind an old, disused railway viaduct, an image that was chosen as the emblem of the Domaine.
Formerly producing wines largely under the Pays de l'Hérault IGP, in 2024, their vines are largely classified as AOC Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier. Approximately 25+ years old, their vignoble is surrounded by garrigue on gentle hillsides of clay and limestone with a very stoney surface. A lot of the soil is red because of the bauxite ore found nearby. 'Roquemale' in the Languedoc language means poor soil, which can be positive for the vines, as it produces few grapes with greater concentration. The microclimate there is heavily influenced by its proximity to the sea and the saltwater lagoons of the Bassin de Thau running along the coastline. Cooling winds refresh the vines at night and the constant movement of air mediates the heat of the sun.
View more wines from this producer...
IGP Vin de Pays de l'Hérault: Domaine Roquemale 'Meli Melo' - Yapp Brothers One Minute Review
Jason Yapp reviews the IGP Vin de Pays de l'Hérault: Domaine Roquemale 'Meli Melo' - 100% Alicante, organic and relatively low in alcohol.
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