Domaine de Pech Ménel

Domaine de Pech-Menel: A Family Legacy

Domaine de Pech-Menel is a family-owned winery run by sisters Marie-Françoise and Élisabeth Poux. Nestled in the charming village of Quarante, in the heart of the Languedoc region, the estate spans 20 hectares of vineyards. The unique terroir of “garrigue” features dry woodlands, rocky soils, and aromatic shrubs like lavender and thyme, which the sisters believe significantly influence the character of their wines. Despite the challenges of building their business, the sisters are committed to preserving their family tradition and heritage.

Crafting Exceptional White Wines

Initially focused on red wines, the sisters later ventured into white winemaking. They carefully selected a high-altitude site within the garrigue to plant white grape varieties. After clearing old vines and moving substantial amounts of stones, their efforts paid off. Wine experts have praised their flagship wine, “Le Blanc,” as potentially one of the finest whites in southern France.

Vineyard Practices at Domaine de Pech-Menel

The sisters cultivate their grapes in the Saint-Chinian appellation, where the stony soil ensures excellent drainage. Committed to organic practices, they avoid chemicals and hand-harvest their grapes. Their winemaking approach blends modern techniques with traditional methods. For red wines, they grow Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, a varietal with roots in Spain that thrives in southern France. For white wines, they cultivate Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Viognier, and a small amount of Roussanne, typically used for blending.