Gauby Blanc 'Coume Gineste' 2002

Roussillon’s modern vinous landscape wouldn’t exist without Gérard Gauby. 

In 1985 – a full twenty years before the region became a seedbed for southern natural winemaking – Gérard ceased his family’s tradition of sending grapes to the local co-operative and injected a holistic, biodynamic-influenced approach to farming their 4ha of vines around the small town of Calce.

A pioneer of agroforestry, Gérard gradually purchased an additional 80ha of land, planting half to Grenache in all forms, Carignan, Macabeu, Vermentino, and Chenin Blanc, and the rest to almond, peach, and citrus trees, which act as both windbreaks and shade in the hot climate.

With their vibrant fruit profiles, gentle alcohol, and lifted freshness – not to mention excellent track record for ageing – Gauby’s wines have earned their place among the most thrilling wines in southern France.

‘Coume Gineste’ combines Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris for an electric, white-mineral glassful, while the Vieilles Vignes Blanc – a blend of Macabeu, Carignan Gris, and Grenache Blanc – gets a smoky, Burgundy-like reduction thanks to ageing in cuves and casks. 

Rich, exotic fruits carry through to the weighty palate cut with bursts of citrussy freshness.