Pic St Loup "L'Orphée" Mas Foulaquier, Pierre Jéquier 2021

Pierre Jéquier, Pic-St-Loup

Pierre Jéquier was an architect, but his passion for wine and the desire to work close to nature led him to the life of the vigneron. After a lot of research in the South of France, it was love at first sight when he discovered Mas Foulaquier in 1998. With its old stone farmhouse built over centuries, the domaine is situated at the northern edge of the designated Pic-Saint-Loup cru. The farm overlooks a large plot of 8 hectares of sloping vines, similar to an enclosed Burgundy parcel. In addition to this lovely setting, the property is part of the exceptional Pic-St-Loup terroir: a pebbly landscape warmed by the southern sun and cooled by the climate of the lower reaches of the Cévennes. The main plot slope faces south-southwest, which means the grapes ripen early. The wide divergence between daytime and night-time temperatures is accentuated by the altitude of the vines (200m) and ensures that the wines are extremely refreshing on the palate. In 2003, Blandine Chauchat joined the Foulaquier team bringing with her three hectares of old vines in the plot known as Les Tonillières in Claret.

Biodynamic (certified Demeter since 2007). The method of viticulture is driven by love for this rugged environment, and respect for this magical and unspoilt landscape. The vines are cultivated and treated with biodynamic preparations applied in accordance with the biodynamic sowing calendar. Application for organic certification was made in 2005, whilst conversion to biodynamic production started in 2006. Their work respects the rhythms of the biodynamic planting calendar, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Mas Foulaquier uses preparations such as horn manure, composted cow manure, horn silica and several plant or flower decoctions. These preps are dynamised and then sprayed on the vines, which strengthens soil life and boosts the vines’ resistance to disease.

A herd of Nubian goats wanders through the rows, keeping the grass down and providing incidental fertilizer at the same time

The nose is very fruity with aromas of black fruits, floral and spicy with hints of laurel. The palate is round, supple and spicy.

Grapes: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

Organic