Home > Producer Profiles > Languedoc Profiles > Domaine du Pech Rome

Domaine du Pech Rome

Domaine du Pech Rome was established in 2001 by Mary and Pascal Blondel, both former pharmacists. The domaine is located in Neffiès, a small village just a short distance north of Pézenas, which itself is north of Montpellier and Béziers. Pech is an old Occitan word for 'stony hill', and the estate does indeed sit at the base of the Caroux mountains, whereas Rome is said to reflect the influence the Romans once had on the region and its viticulture.

The domaine comprises 8.3 hectares of vineyards, of which 5.3 hectares qualifies as AC Coteaux du Languedoc; the remainder is bottled as vin de pays. The terroir is varied, including areas of sandstone, shale, gravel, clay and basalt. The AC vineyards include the following:

• Syrah on gravel, schist and gravelly clay, planted between 1983 and 1985
• Mourvèdre on basalt, planted in 1988
• Grenache on clay-limestone, planted in 1982
• Carignan, also on clay-limestone, planted between 1944 and 1972

The vin de pays vines include the following:

• Syrah vines on gravelly clay, planted in 1990
• Tempranillo, also on gravelly clay, also planted 1990
• Carignan on gravelly clay and limestone, planted 1963

After a manual harvest and transport in small, 25 kg crates, the grapes are partially destemmed and ferment in inert epoxy resin tanks. Fermentation is traditional, although some Carignan and the Tempranillo undergoes carbonic maceration. Maceration on the skins is for up to two weeks. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Selected wines spend some time in oak. Yields for the AC Coteaux du Languedoc wines are typically between 35 and 40 hl/ha, more like 65 hl/ha for the vin de pays.

Leading the Coteaux du Languedoc cuvées is Opulens, a Syrah dominated blend, with Mourvèdre and a little Grenache, which sees fourteen months in oak. Then comes Clemens, a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan; no particular variety dominates. This sees eighteen months in oak. Florens is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan in equal parts which sees just eight months in oak. There is also a rosé Coteaux du Languedoc. The remaining cuvées are bottled as Vin de Pays de Caux, and include Juno, a blend of Syrah, Tempranillo and Carignan, as well as a separate cuvée of Tempranillo. Both see no oak. What amazes me most about these wines, taking into account the sheer quality (see tasting notes below), is that at the time of writing this domaine has no-one to import these wines into the UK. Bad news for all fans of the quality wines of the Languedoc, I'm afraid. (6/10/04)

Domaine du Pech Rome - Tasting Notes

Click to locate stockists.

Domaine du Pech Rome Coteaux du Languedoc Florens 2003: A vibrant, youthful, moderately deep red-purple hue. Sweet, herby, black cherry aromas, with a little meaty fur, but predominantly Grenache on the nose. Medium bodied, nicely textured, although giving little away on the palate. Showing much more texture and structure than flavour at present. Some sweet Grenache fruit character, though, with a fine chalky edge. Minor tannic flourish on the finish. Has potential; would be best in a year or two I think, and will drink well for five years thereafter. Good. 15/20 (October 2004)

Domaine du Pech Rome Coteaux du Languedoc Clemens 2002: A youthful, dark, cherry-red hue. Starts with a little acetic whiff on the nose, but this quickly yields aromas of cherry stones and black pepper. Full, structured, plenty of dark cherry fruit and a firm presence on the palate. Medium bodied, with an oily edge to the slightly tannic mouthfeel. Nice bitter grip in the finish. Moderate length. This is a lovely blend where no one variety is dominant; I like it. Drink over the next ten years. 16+/20 (October 2004)

Domaine du Pech Rome Coteaux du Languedoc Opulens 2001: Glorious nose here, full of charcoal-smoke and peppered black fruits, with a fur and meat influence. And the palate is a complex paradox, luscious in texture at first, but then showing its tannic backbone and grip. Firm, meaty flavours with just a little red and black fruit. Quite serious, with correct acidity. Concentrated. Good, creamy, grippy but fairly short finish. But that shouldn't detract from what is a marvellous wine. Needs four or five years in the cellar to show its best. 17.5+/20 (October 2004)