Domaine d'Aupilhac

Domaine d'Aupilhac – Wines born from a volcanic terroir and a winemaking soul

Domain name

Aupilhac Estate

Wine region

Languedoc

Appellations and terroirs

Domaine d'Aupilhac is located in Montpeyroux, about thirty kilometers north of Montpellier, at the foot of the Larzac plateau. It benefits from exceptional terroirs spread across two main areas: the Terrasses d'Aupilhac (13.5 ha), with south-facing clay-limestone soils, and the volcanic site of Les Cocalières (10 ha), at an altitude of 350 meters. The latter forms a rare and spectacular natural amphitheater, created from an ancient maar (volcanic crater). The altitude and northern exposure impart remarkable freshness to the wines. These two complementary facets of the terroir offer a fascinating glimpse into the geological complexity of the Languedoc.

Emblematic grape varieties

Reds: Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault. – Whites: Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris.

Philosophy and History

Sylvain Fadat's winemaking vocation is rooted in a long family history, where his ancestors, from Mont Aigoual to Aniane, were already cultivating vines. In 1989, after studying viticulture and business, he founded Domaine d'Aupilhac, starting with 5 hectares located in the eponymous lieu-dit. From the outset, he worked using traditional methods and gradually built the winery, the underground cellar (1997), and then the Cocalières site. In 2003, his wife Désirée fully joined the venture. Since 2010, the estate has been certified organic and biodynamic (Ecocert & Demeter).

Production specifics

The estate now covers 25 hectares, of which 21.5 are planted with red grapes and 3.5 with white. The vines are cultivated with the utmost respect for the environment: the soil is left fallow for eight years before planting, cereal crops are sown, herbicides are avoided, biodynamic treatments are employed, pruning is gentle, and the grapes are harvested by hand with rigorous selection. Each grape variety is vinified separately. For the reds, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfur, and with moderate pump-overs and punch-downs. For the whites, the juice is cold-pressed, settled, and then transferred by gravity into barrels or casks. Aging lasts up to 18 months, without filtration, and bottling is done according to the lunar calendar.

Recognitions

The estate's wines are among the most sought-after in the Languedoc. The "Les Cocalières," "Le Clos," and "Montpeyroux" cuvées are regularly praised by La Revue du Vin de France, Bettane+Desseauve, Jancis Robinson, and Wine Advocate, with scores reaching up to 95/100. Their consistency and authenticity appeal to both casual wine lovers and discerning sommeliers. In addition to their Mediterranean character, these wines offer a freshness, tension, and aromatic depth rarely found in the region. Furthermore, they possess excellent aging potential, with some cuvées evolving elegantly for over 15 years.

With a vision rooted in respect for the terroir and a long-term perspective, Sylvain and Désirée Fadat craft wines of emotion—vibrant, approachable, and capable of aging for decades. Domaine d'Aupilhac is much more than a Languedoc benchmark: it is a truly soulful place, where each vintage tells a unique human and geological story. Their meticulous, almost intimate work reminds us that the greatness of a wine is born from the daily attention paid to every detail.

Why choose a wine from Domaine d'Aupilhac?

• A pioneering organic and biodynamic estate in Languedoc
• Exceptional terroirs: limestone, basalt, altitude, northern exposure
• A handcrafted, natural winemaking process that respects the fruit
• Wines praised by international critics
• Wines for aging, vibrant, elegant and sincere

Discover the selection of wines from Domaine d'Aupilhac and let yourself be captivated by their mineral finesse, their Mediterranean intensity and their timeless authenticity.