Tasting Notes
Papillon is a delicious and atypical wine for the region. It is made from the traditional Mediterranean varieties Macabeu and Grenache Gris, which are often used for fortified production, but here, they produce a heady and aromatic dry table wine. There is a little Muscat for added aroma. It smells of the salty sea, and honey melon, with a slight oxydatif touch adding complexity. It has an unctuous oily texture, but enough acidity and freshness to make it a great food wine. It opens the apetite like a butterfly. Importer Note.
Domaine de l’Ausseil is a small, artisanal estate based in the village of Latour-de-France in the Roussillon. Founded in 2001 by former journalist Jacques de Chancel, the domaine spans roughly 10 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted on steep, stony slopes of schist and gneiss. The name “Ausseil,” meaning “kite” in the local Occitan dialect, reflects both the birds that soar above the vineyards and the estate’s light, free-spirited approach.
Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Macabeu form the backbone of the plantings, many of them from old vines rooted deeply in poor soils that naturally limit yields. Jacques works with great respect for the land, applying organic and biodynamic principles, hand harvesting, and avoiding chemical inputs.
In the cellar, fermentations are carried out with native yeasts, extraction is gentle, and sulfur use is minimal. Aging takes place in a mix of concrete, stainless steel and neutral barrels, allowing the wines to retain freshness and purity while expressing the rugged minerality of the terroir.
Domaine de l’Ausseil’s wines are known for their energy, lift and detail, combining the natural power of Roussillon fruit with a finesse and elegance that set them apart.
| Product Type | Wine White Blends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Roussillon |
| Sub Region | Cotes Catalanes |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |