4 years ago when I started my conversion from financial journalist to winemaker I didn’t know the Tarn at all. At the time I envisaged that I would base myself in the Loire where I have my roots and where I spent a year studying viticulture at the Lycée d’Amboise.
I first visited the Tarn in 2017. On the advice of a friend who is a Parisian caviste I came to complete my training by working for the harvest and winemaking at Peyres Roses (now “Cinq Peyres”) which is the neighbouring vineyard to Clos Rocailleux. I was immediately won over I’m sure for the same reasons that brought many of you to the region: its beauty, the hospitality of the locals, the clement climate and, of course, the grape varieties. But the decisive thing for me was Charles – the owner of Cinq Peyres – and his infectious passion for the Gaillac vineyard and not forgetting his great generosity.This a generosity shared by neighbouring vignerons, always ready to help each other.
It was also on a sunny summer day in 2017 that I discovered Clos Rocailleux when I came as part of Charles’ team to help with the harvest. The rest of the story you know… except that it was more than a glass or two that we shared on that rainy night!
I am really excited about the future at Clos Rocailleux and looking forward to meeting many of you on 29 November at the party at the winery.
Luc