In 2016 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 by 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 and the winemakers there, Jack and Margaret, when I came as part of Charles’ team to help with the harvest. In 2019 I decided to follow my passion and search for my own vines here in Gaillac. One winters night I called on Jack and Margaret at Clos Rocailleux and over a glass of their wine asked them if they knew of anyone who was interested in selling vines, a winery… The rest of the story is as they say history… except that it was more than a glass or two that we shared on that rainy night!
