Domaine de la Patience Rosé 2024

Domaine de la Patience is located in the village of Bezouce, close to Avignon in Southern France, near the historic Pont du Gard. The estate operates across two appellations: AOP Costières de Nîmes and IGP Coteaux du Pont du Gard, positioning it at the border of the Côtes du Rhône region. The estate takes its name from "La Patience," a wild, aromatic Mediterranean herb that grows throughout the vineyard.

Christophe Aguilar owns and operates the domaine, having taken over the family estate in 1998 after a decade managing winemaking at a local cooperative. He made a pivotal decision to convert to organic farming in 2007, explaining: "I realized I needed to stop poisoning myself with the chemical treatments we were using, as I felt worse and worse when working in the vineyards."

Christophe expanded the estate from the original 15 hectares to 100 hectares of organic-certified vineyards. The distinctive terroirs feature pebbles, sandstone, and loess soils on ancient sandstone terraces. Main varieties include Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, and Vermentino, with Chardonnay sourced from their own organic vineyards and Vermentino from sustainable HVE-certified growers.

Christophe follows a minimal intervention philosophy: "It's good to be a companion to what nature has given us." The wines are made with indigenous or neutral yeasts, use vegan-friendly fining, light filtration, and minimal sulfur. Grapes are direct-pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel tanks. The winemaking takes place in a beautiful 1930s stone cellar.

Occitanie is France's largest wine-producing region by volume, encompassing the former administrative regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées in southern France. Stretching from the Spanish border to the Rhône Valley and from the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Massif Central, this vast territory produces more than a third of France's total wine output.

The region benefits from a predominantly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The diverse topography ranges from coastal plains and lagoons to rolling hills and mountainous terrain, creating numerous microclimates. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures along the coast, while inland areas experience more continental influences.

Historically known for bulk wine production, Occitanie has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 1980s. The region has shifted focus from quantity to quality, with significant investments in modern winemaking techniques, vineyard management, and varietal selection. This evolution has positioned Occitanie as one of France's most dynamic wine regions.

Key Sub-Regions

Languedoc
The Languedoc forms the eastern portion of Occitanie and includes prestigious appellations like Corbières, Minervois, Pic Saint-Loup, and Faugères. The area is known for robust red blends typically featuring Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.

Roussillon
Located near the Spanish border, Roussillon is famous for its fortified wines (Vins Doux Naturels) from appellations like Banyuls and Maury, as well as innovative natural wines from producers around villages like Calce.

Gascony and Toulouse Areas
The western portions include areas around Toulouse and Gascony, producing distinctive wines often featuring local grape varieties and expressing continental climate influences.

Appellations and Classifications

Occitanie hosts numerous AOC/AOP appellations alongside extensive IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) production. The region's flexibility allows winemakers to experiment with international varieties and innovative blends under the IGP framework while maintaining traditional AOC wines.

Notable appellations include:

• Corbières: Known for powerful, structured reds
• Minervois: Produces elegant, mineral-driven wines
• Fitou: One of the oldest red wine appellations in Languedoc
• Côtes du Roussillon: Versatile appellation producing reds, whites, and rosés
• Pic Saint-Loup: Rising star producing exceptional Syrah-based wines

Grape Varieties

Red Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, and increasingly, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

White Varieties: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Rolle (Vermentino), Picpoul, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc

Terroir Diversity

The region's geological diversity includes:

• Coastal areas: Sandy soils and limestone
• Inland hills: Schist, limestone, and clay
• River valleys: Alluvial deposits
• Mountainous zones: Volcanic and metamorphic soils

This variety allows for an extraordinary range of wine styles, from light, mineral whites to powerful, age-worthy reds.

Modern Innovation

Occitanie has become a laboratory for innovation in French winemaking. The region attracts young, dynamic winemakers experimenting with:

• Natural and biodynamic viticulture
• New grape varieties adapted to climate change
• Modern cellar techniques
• Sustainable farming practices

As France's largest wine region by volume, Occitanie plays a crucial economic role in French viticulture. The region has successfully balanced mass production with quality winemaking, offering excellent value wines across all price points.

Food Pairing Culture

Occitanie wines complement the region's Mediterranean cuisine featuring olive oil, herbs, seafood, and rustic meat dishes. The local gastronomy includes specialties like cassoulet, brandade de Nîmes, and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean coast.