2021 Catherine Bernard La Carbonelle Rosé

WINEMAKER: Catherine Bernard
REGION: Herault, FR
VARIETY: Marselan
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic

This is 100% direct press Marselan rosé from Catherine's original plot. "In 2006 during her first harvest, she was to discover part of what was sold to her as Grenache on the bill of sale, was in part actually Marselan, a hybrid grape of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon created in the 1960’s. An unforeseen challenge that Catherine embraced. This original parcel is what makes the cuvee, La Carbonelle.

Florals, garrigue and citrus, lithe and lingering. A joy to drink, especially in summer." - Liz Carey, importer

Catherine Bernard was a journalist with Libération Newspaper, first in Paris and then Montpellier. But in 2003 upon turning 40, she needed a change of direction. Originally from Brittany, Catherine grew up on a farm, her father a grain dealer, and she wanted to be back in touch with the land. She obtained her certificate in agriculture, specialising in viticulture and oenology and began searching for a small vineyard, initially around Corbières where her friend Maxime Magnon was located. But it was to be in Herault, in the commune of Saint Drézéry, Languedoc that Catherine settled, initially purchasing 3 hectares of land in 2005, of which 1 hectare was under vine.

Certified organic working with a biodynamic spirit. Catherine has now been joined by her son Nicolas, and together they are making long term plans to ensure viticulture remains sustainable. In 2021 they began planting elm, olive and almond trees, interspersed among the vines. Animal husbandry has been incorporated and Catherine has undertaken research into old ungrafted vines with deep root systems in other hot dry areas of the Mediterranean. Understanding how they survive and thrive will hopefully lead viticulture change in Herault.