portfolio ➜ producers
Domaine de Rombeau
Base map data ©2017 Google, Inst. Geogr. NacionalOne of the most storied estates in Roussillon, Domaine de Rombeau traces its origins to 1727, when the de la Fabrègue family first arrived in Rivesaltes from Lyon. By 1850, the family had amassed vineyard holdings and became of one the region’s first to bottle wine. Tanks that date from that period can still be found on the estate. The family persevered through phyolloxera and successive World Wars, continually delving deeper into the region’s traditions while remaining open to the possibilities of the future. As sixth-generation family winemaker Philippe Raspaud said: "Tradition is alive."
Today, Domaine de Rombeau farms 90 hectares under sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices from a variety of different terroirs, producing an array of wines including Muscat de Rivesaltes, Rivesaltes, Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon-Villages. They are most famous and celebrated for their cellar of old Rivesaltes extending back to the early 1950s, as well as for their Rancio sec, aged primarily out-of-doors in glass bonbonnes, barrels and foudres before blending with the help of their friend and winemaker emeritus, Rivesaltes legend Fernand Baixas. These are intentional wines, combining the best of traditional practice with modern acumen to produce vintage wines of both power and elegance—a benchmark of what Rancio sec was, is and can be.
Domaine de Rombeau Rancio Sec 2010
France ➜ Roussillon ➜ Côtes Catalanes IGP 16.5% ABV
16.5% ABV • Fully Oxidized, Oxidative
The lightest of the Rombeau Rancio secs, the 2010 is distinguished by its cepage and its shorter elevage, with an increased percentage of Macabeu and, atypically, a small amount of Muscat à Petits Grains (roughly 10%) added to the foundational Grenache blanc and Grenache gris. Vinified in tank with native yeasts, then transferred to an assortment of old barrels, foudres and glass demijohns for 12-18 months aging outdoors. A portion is then returned to the cellars, which rest above ground and lack temperature control, while another portion remains in the "barrel forest" outdoors until the time of blending and bottling. Full details
Domaine de Rombeau Rancio Sec 2009
France ➜ Roussillon ➜ Côtes Catalanes IGP 16.5% ABV
16.5% ABV • Fully Oxidized, Oxidative
The 2009 Rombeau Rancio sec is the most complete and balanced of the Rombeau Rancio secs, displaying the pronounced umami funk of 2008 with the lighter touch of 2010. It was vinified in tank with native yeasts, then transferred to an assortment of old barrels, foudres and glass demijohns for 12-18 months' aging outdoors. A portion is then returned to the cellars, which rest above ground and lack temperature control, while another portion remained in the "barrel forest" until the time of blending and bottling in mid-2016. Full details
Domaine de Rombeau Rancio Sec 2008
France ➜ Roussillon ➜ Côtes Catalanes IGP 16.5% ABV
16.5% ABV • Fully Oxidized, Oxidative
The most evolved of the Rombeau Rancio secs, the 2008 exhibits a pronounced "rancio funk" while nevertheless retaining its complexity and rough good manners. It was vinified in tank with native yeasts, then transferred to an assortment of old barrels, foudres and glass demijohns for 24 months' aging outdoors. A portion was then returned to the cellars, which rest above ground and lack temperature control, while another portion remained in the "barrel forest" until the time of blending and bottling in mid-2016. Full details
