Domaine de Plageoles is a wine estate in south-west France, specifically in the Gaillac appellation. Founded at the start of the 19th century by Jules Plageoles, it’s now the seventh generation running things: brothers Florent and Romain Plageoles. The 25-hectare estate is cultivated using organic methods and boasts exceptional vegetation; this includes native grape varieties like Mauzac, Ondenc, Prunelart, and Verdanel. Plageoles has been instrumental in bringing these grape vines back to life within a region that had become dominated by internationally recognised grapes. In the cellar, the vinification processes are as low intervention as possible, using native yeasts and very little added sulphur. The domain crafts a variety of wine, including dry whites, dessert wines, reds, orange cuvées, oxidative wines, and even sparkling! The result is stunning, an instant favourite for the team.

The vines are planted on a clay-limestone terroir and the grapes are picked by hand. The low yields (30hl/ha) deliver healthy, perfectly ripe fruit. Fermentations take place in stainless steel vats and the élevage in demi-muids (large oak containers). Thé élevage lasts 7 years under a ‘veil’ which protects the wine from excessive oxidation. The colour is amber, and notes of walnut and dried fruit immediately emanate from the glass when tasting. On the palate, bitter notes take the fore, yet are beautifully balanced by a pleasant acidity.