Domaine Bordes
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Domaine Bordes comprises organically cultivated vineyards nestled on the windswept slopes of the Saint-Chinian AOC, where Philippe and Emma Bordes meticulously craft their range of natural wines. Originally from Languedoc, Philippe transitioned from a lengthy career as a plumber to pursue a more pastoral existence, drawn to the hills surrounding his childhood abode. Settling on nine hectares at the base of the southern slopes of the Massif Central, they inherited old vines of traditional grape varieties.
Their vineyards, secluded and teeming with biodiversity, thrive in clay-limestone and shale soils, enveloped by garrigue. Despite lacking formal winemaking education, Philippe and Emma compensated with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. They delved into literature, observed the practices of fellow winemakers, learned extensively from their errors, and unveiled their inaugural vintage in 2001.
Embracing an Epicurean philosophy and staunch advocates of organic agriculture, they adopted horse plowing, compost production, meticulous yield management for natural pest resistance, and in 2008 joined the ranks of Saint-Chinian's 15 organic producers. Minimally intervening in the cellar, they meticulously time each vinification stage following the lunar calendar. Utilizing indigenous yeasts and eschewing temperature regulation during fermentation, Philippe only introduces minimal sulfites for stabilization.
The outcome is a collection of opulent and eloquent wines featuring Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris, and Ugni Blanc grape varieties.
Their vineyards, secluded and teeming with biodiversity, thrive in clay-limestone and shale soils, enveloped by garrigue. Despite lacking formal winemaking education, Philippe and Emma compensated with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. They delved into literature, observed the practices of fellow winemakers, learned extensively from their errors, and unveiled their inaugural vintage in 2001.
Embracing an Epicurean philosophy and staunch advocates of organic agriculture, they adopted horse plowing, compost production, meticulous yield management for natural pest resistance, and in 2008 joined the ranks of Saint-Chinian's 15 organic producers. Minimally intervening in the cellar, they meticulously time each vinification stage following the lunar calendar. Utilizing indigenous yeasts and eschewing temperature regulation during fermentation, Philippe only introduces minimal sulfites for stabilization.
The outcome is a collection of opulent and eloquent wines featuring Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris, and Ugni Blanc grape varieties.
