Domaine La Rune

Anecdotes about the estate: The estate's name is La Rune (The Rune), hence its name. The name of this estate inspired the winemakers for the names of their wines, so you'll notice that some of the wines have names straight from the runic alphabet! This script, originating in Northern Europe, was often carved into stones and can now be found on bottle labels! Each rune represents a symbol; we'll see if that symbol reminds you of this wine! As an added bonus, you can also discover a weaving workshop located on the estate. A little history of the estate: Perched at an altitude of 200 meters in the Hautes Corbières, the estate is situated in a wild and natural environment. The terroirs are very diverse and are exposed to a northwest wind. The climate is very dry, which minimizes treatments in order to obtain grapes rich in sugars and with aromas of the garrigue (Mediterranean scrubland). The red grape varieties grown are Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The white grape varieties are Bourboulenc (a typical grape of the South of France) and Marsanne. The grapes are destemmed, meaning the vegetal part of the bunch is removed to avoid overly herbaceous aromas. Punching down is done manually, allowing for gentle color extraction. Vinification takes place in barrels or demi-muids (600 liters), with demi-muids gradually replacing muids. Southern and Mediterranean wines are often aged in these large casks. In 2015, the estate produced its first vintage using environmentally friendly methods, and today the estate is entirely certified organic. The pride of the estate: Domaine de la Rune, located in the Hautes Corbières massif, is now run by the fifth generation of the Rémon family. The methods haven't really changed, nor has the philosophy of respecting the terroir. The family, aware of the richness of these vines, lovingly tends them with all the necessary care. The estate's 35 plots, spread across rocky hillsides, are located in the communes of Talairan, St. Laurent de la Cabrerisse, and Jonquières. All actions taken are preventative. The altitude provides the vines with the freshness necessary for the perfect ripening of tannins and the preservation of very fruity and fresh notes. The winery is very modern and was entirely built by the family. Eco-friendly materials were carefully chosen while respecting ancestral techniques. This semi-underground cellar benefits from perfect insulation. This technical facility is essential for working with the grapes and aging the wine. The vats are cubic and lined with concrete, allowing for manual punch-downs and gentle pump-overs. Balancing expertise and personal sensibility, the guiding principle for the wines is finesse; some are then crafted for power, while others are made more approachable. This entire quality-driven process also demands considerable technical skill.