Domaine de la Ramade

Located in the heart of the Clape massif near Narbonne, the Domaine de la Ramade is owned by Jacques Ribourel. It produces high quality red and white wines in the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation - terroir de la Clape. Its 15 hectares of land have been planted with vines since the 19th century, but recent archaeological discoveries indicate that Roman winegrowers had already exploited this exceptional terroir more than 2000 years ago.

An exceptional terroir

The estate is located on a unique site, that of the former island of La Clape, which joined the mainland in the Middle Ages. The massif underwent a major deforestation at that time and since then offers landscapes of garrigues, groves and cliffs.

The area enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with over 300 very sunny days, cold temperatures in winter and very hot in summer. In addition, the 13 southern winds clean the air, while the proximity of the sea and the sea spray hydrates the vines.

The great diversity of soils present on the plateau offers each grape variety the perfect conditions to express all its typicality. We can find in the massif red soils with oxidized iron, green and red sandstones, calcareous clay carpets as well as yellow and grey marls. The important presence of pebbles also allows an accumulation of heat during the day, which is then restored at night. This soil allows the vine to express all its strength. Seven main grape varieties are grown at La Ramade: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan for the red wines, Viognier, Vermentino and Bourboulenc for the whites.

Ancient practices and organic farming

The know-how implemented at the Domaine de la Ramade focuses on producing exceptional wines with respect for the people and this exceptional environment. No chemical products or synthetic fertilizers are used, only practices that respect the environment and meet the specifications of the organic farming label are used at La Ramade.

The conversion of the estate to organic was initiated in 2008, and the vintages benefit from the Organic Agriculture label since 2011. In addition, in terms of vineyard care, the development of the vines has been promoted by a global re-grazing of the vineyard.

The vinification is done according to the traditional classical methods in stainless steel tanks or in barrels, depending on the complexity of the wine. The grapes are harvested manually, as well as the sorting, which gives the wines an intense aromatic bouquet that is quite exceptional. Each stage of production meets the strictest requirements of the appellation, as do the yields and the choice of grape varieties.

The wines

Among the wines produced by Domaine de la Ramade are:

Lacobus, the 2010 vintage is a great red wine in the Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape appellation. It is an exceptional vintage, typically Mediterranean, powerful, seductive and fleshy. The tannins are silky and the wine offers a beautiful balance, with aromas of candied fruits, grilled almonds and dried fruits. It has a nice structure, full and warm, with a long and elegant finish.

Les Murailles, vintage 2019 is a white wine blended with Bourboulenc, typical of the region, Vermentino and Roussanne. It is a fresh, floral and gourmet wine with powerful fruity aromas and a mineral note. The mouth offers a subtle balance, after a frank attack.