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Domaine Boucabeille

Domaine Boucabeille is home to Régis and his son Jean Boucabeille, Régis having purchased the property and vineyards in the early 1990s. Their estate now comprises 18 ha, the vines spreading across an amphitheatre on the Força Real, a hill which rises to over 500 m. The soils here originate from the quaternary period and comprise old schists mixed with pebbles and sand, and they are gathered into wide terraces (shown above), approximately 20 m across, which run around the slopes for up to 300 m. These were planted up by the previous owner, Jean-René Camo, with the emphasis on Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignan for the reds, Maccabeu and Viognier for the whites.

The portfolio of wines opens with two vin de pays, Le Blanc and Le Rosé, both VdP des Côtes Catalanes. The former is a blend of white varieties, predominantly Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Following harvest the fruit see a cold soak before fermentation, the resulting wine is kept on its less for three months before bottling. The rosé, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, also sees a very short maceration before temperature controlled fermentation.

The red wines start with Les Terrasses, a Côtes du Roussillon Villages which is predominantly Grenache and Carignan, with a little Syrah. The Grenache and Syrah are destemmed before fermentation, whereas the Carignan sees carbonic maceration to maximise the fruit. It is unoaked, and is a decent if unremarkable easy drinker. Things get rather more interesting with the two top red cuvées, Monte Nero and Les Orris. The Monte Nero cuvée is named for the black schistous soils on the hill, and is predominantly Grenache with some Syrah and a little Mourvèdre, aged in oak. Les Orris has more Syrah and Mourvèdre, less Grenache; I found both cuvées, admittedly of different vintages, to be good wines.

The icing on the cake here is Rivesaltes; two cuvées are produced, a vintaged Rivesaltes Ambre and a non-vintage, long-aged Rivesaltes Hors d'Age, and both have surprising freshness and appeal. Both are predominantly Maccabeu, with Grenache Blanc, and see a cold maceration and temperature controlled fermentation, both practices no doubt contributing to the vivacity these wines present on the palate. Rivesaltes can so often be disappointing, but not here, where it is a genuine attraction to Domaine Boucabeille, along with some very good red wines. Well done Régis and Jean! (8/6/06)

Contact details:
Address: 66550 Corneilla de la Riviera
Telephone: +33 (0) 6 80 22 32 63
Fax: +33 (0) 4 26 68 24 16
Internet: www.boucabeille.com

Domaine Boucabeille - Tasting Notes

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Domaine Boucabeille Le Blanc (VdP de Côtes Catalanes) 2004: This is a blend of 80% Viognier and 20% Sauvignon Blanc; bottled January 2005. It has a lovely and very typical nose of peaches and pine kernels. On the palate, moderate weight, with nicely balancing acidity. This is pretty and stylish. Very good. 16.6/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Boucabeille Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Terrasses 2004: This blend of mainly Carignan and Grenache sees no oak, but will see a short period in bottle before release. It has an aromatic, lifted, cherry fruit nose, with the same cherry character on the palate. It has a rather light structure, but there is pleasing grip provided by a little seam of tannin. Good bistro wine. 15.5/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Boucabeille Côtes du Roussillon Villages Monte Nero 2003: This is a selection of Grenache (70%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (5%) from the Monte Nero, where black schist predominates. Aged in a mix of new and old barriques. There is very nice development on the nose here, showing some complex aromas alongside the fruit. Full, structured, rather fine palate. There is depth of flavour, but also great interest here. This is very good indeed. 17.5/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Boucabeille Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Orris 2002: This is 50% Syrah, with 25% each Mourvèdre and Grenache, also aged in a selection of barriques, for one year. There is certainly good Mourvèdre character on the nose. On the palate this presents a sweetly integrated, rather plump style, not showing as much focus as the Monte Nero. Lots of furry, animalistic character though, and I still think this to be very good. 17/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Boucabeille Rivesaltes 1999: A blend of Grenache and Maccabeu. This wine has a rich, golden hue, with a nose of honey and wild garrigue which is quite intriguing. A lovely palate ensues, quite perfumed and delicate, yet rich and refined. Mineral elements provide interest. This has a simply beautiful style. Excellent. 18.5/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Boucabeille Rivesaltes Hors d'Age NV: A blend of Grenache and Maccabeu again. This has a much deeper, golden-orange hue, with plenty of honey and wood character on the nose. Refined, reserved, maturing style on the palate, with some lovely honey and nut character. Rather oak-influenced, but still very attractive, and certainly very expressive. Excellent wine. 18.5/20 (October 2005)