Domaine Piquemal

History

Although the vines in this region were planted centuries before, the Piquemal estate is very recent. In the 1970s, Pierre Piquemal took over the land from his two grandfathers and immediately set out to rebuild the estate (regrouping parcels, preserving old vines,...). We are in front of a family domain that has remained in the pure winegrowing tradition.

In those years, Pierre started a reorganization of the domain by changing somewhat the methods used. Moreover, this period was marked by the rise of sweet wines, many winemakers have taken advantage of this commercial success. But Pierre and his wife Annie decided otherwise and became full-fledged winemakers. This path was not the easiest but it is this management of the vine, the wine and the business that they were passionate about during the whole adventure.

The commercial beginnings were precisely difficult, it was necessary for this couple of wine growers to make themselves known and to make speak the wines during the shows. A lot of time was spent for our protagonists during competitions in particular. Today, they are rewarded for the energy they have put into the Domaine Piquemal, now recognized in France but also abroad, as one of the standard-bearers of the region.

The new generation

Today, it is another generation with Marie-Pierre Piquemal who has taken the reins of the domain.

It is in the heart of Roussillon that the family property extends over 48 hectares. Perched on the slopes of the Agly Valley, the vines enjoy optimal conditions to deliver wonderful grapes. The little rain as well as the constant sunshine help the grapes to reach a good maturity.

Planted on an impressive diversity of soils, composed of schist and clay, the numerous grape varieties of the vineyard (Vermentino, Macabeu, Grenache,...) have been chosen for their adaptability with the terroir. With an average age of 35 years, the vines are cultivated with great respect for the environment. Agro-ecological practices have been put in place and have allowed Domaine Piquemal to obtain HVE certification in 2017.

The range of wines is expanded with AOC, vins de pays or even sweet wines. To elaborate them, the vinification is mastered like a masterpiece by the team of winemakers. The latter harmonizes this crucial step with each of the parcels, to reveal the best of them. Marie-Pierre and her collaborators work with very qualitative technical means (sorting table, termo-regulated vats,...), at the level of their ambitions.

The Piquemal estate is without doubt one of the most surprising properties in the Languedoc Roussillon region, with vintages that bring out the best of the terroirs, but that also tell a whole story...