Jeff Carrel

The story of Jeff Carrel

In 1991, Jean-François Carrel, nicknamed Jeff, decided to change his life. Originally a chemist, he trained to become an oenologist in 1994. Accompanied by Sébastien Calduch, he criss-crossed France. It was in Ansignan, in the Roussillon region, that the two friends decided to take over the vineyards and land. They renamed the estate Domaine d'Ansignan. The latter comprises 18 hectares of vines on 4 adjoining properties: Camp de l'Argent, Dolmen, Garrigue and Taupels. Taking over the estate is a promise for the future: to preserve life, vines and economic activity on this land that men have inhabited for 4,000 years.

Respect for the terroir and organic wines characterize Jeff Carrel

Yes, it's important to respect tradition, but it's just as important to reason with today's challenges. Maison Carrel understands this. For example, the estate has been renovated with sustainable development in mind (water-saving system, no air-conditioning...). Maison Carrel produces organic wines in its vat room in nearby Fabrezan. An organic garden has been created on the estate to grow traditional vegetables, sometimes rare aromatic plants, and exotic vegetables and fruit. Numerous restaurateurs come here to buy their produce, confident in the quality of the short supply chain. La Maison Carrel is not just about wine! The guiding principle is to revitalize this welcoming land in a spirit of sustainable development.

The wines of Maison Jeff Carrel

Local winemakers produce their own wines, both red and white. Then the Jeff Carrel estate takes care of maturing, bottling and marketing. In this way, Jeff Carrel enables small producers to make a name for themselves and optimize their sales. Jeff Carrel also produces his own wine. For several years now, he has been focusing on organic wines. This environmental enthusiast puts an emblematic bird on his bottles: preserve nature to preserve all species.

The Domaine also offers a range of "mousses": sparkling wines and beers. Sparkling wines are available in chenin blanc or rosé. Both are part of the "Mousse Tache" range. Jeff Carrel also produces an organic beer. This is a French beer brewed and bottled in Alsace. It's made from Pilsen malts, hops (nugget, perle), yeast and water. It's a mild beer with a very slight note of acidity and bitterness.

In just a few years, Jeff Carrel, described as an "eclectic winemaker", has made a name for himself with so-called surprising wines, certainly because they are less well known to the general public. His original brands, such as "Les Darons", have left their mark. His respect for the environment has enabled him to create his own brand in keeping with his values. It's a success story! Jeff Carrel now owns a vineyard in the Pyrénées Orientales: Domaine Sous la Montagne.