Domaine du Pas de l’Escalette is a Biodynamic estate in Poujols, between Millau and Montpellier in the Terrasses du Larzac in the Languedoc region of France. It makes wines exclusively from southern grape varieties, some under the Terrasses du Larzac AOC.

Owners: Julien Zernott (Bourges) and Delphine Rousseau (Chartres). Two kids called Jules and Gabriel. First vintage was 2003, but they had to continue their day jobs (he for Henry Pellé in Menetou Salon until 2008; she as a press attaché in food/wine).

The name: Le Pas de l’Escalette was the pass for pilgrims between the Larzac plateau and the Mediterranean.

Terroir: On around 50 terraces surrounded by dry stone walls called “clapas”. 350 and 400 meters at the foot of the Larzac plateau. Protected by the causse, our vineyard is naturally irrigated by the sources of Larzac. The plots benefit from an eastern exposure for half and west for the rest. This “under-exposure” gives the wines a freshness and a fruity tension specific to the terroir of this valley.

Vineyards: 2016: 18 ha (600 hl).

Certification: 2012 First vintage with full organic certification. | 2016 First vintage with full Biodynamic (SIVCBD ‘Biodyvin’) certification.

White wines

Les Clapas Blanc: 2015 Carignan Blanc, Terret Bouet and Grenache Blanc. Really good weight, very southern, good modern clean style (Millésime Bio 2017).

Rosé wines

Ze rozé: 2009 Carignan blanc and Terret. Now 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan.

Red wines

Rouge, les Petits Pas: 40% each Syrah and Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan.

Le Pas de d [sic]: 2010 Debut. Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Carignan co-fermented I think.

Les Clapas Rouge: 2015 30% Old Carignan bush vines, 20% Grenache Noir for richness and 50% Cinsault and Syrah for floral notes. Really good southern grip and brightness (Millésime Bio 2017).

Terrasses du Larzac AOC Rouge, Le Grand Pas: 2008 Mainly from a plot of Grenache called “le caillou”. | 2008 Mainly from a plot of Grenache called “le caillou”.

Contact

Pas de l’Escalette

Le Champ de Peyrottes, F-34700 Poujols (Hérault), France

Tel+33 04.67.96.13.42 | www.pasdelescalette.com

Directions: North of Lodeve A75 motorway exit N ° 52. Follow direction Le Cirque de Labeil.