Domaine de Rapatel
RHÔNE
The terroir of Costières-de-Nîmes (originally Costières-du-Gard) – sitting at the gateway to the Camargue, between the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc – is oriented south, facing the mediterranean and the Mistral wind. It is a distinctive terroir, powerfully expressive in the southern grape varieties, lending itself perfectly to strong personalities like Gérard Eyraud from his Domaine Rapatel.
Taking over the family estate in Caissargues, south of Nîmes, in 1979, Gérard Eyraud commited himself with total independnce, eschewing oenological dogma and AOC constrainsts, in favour of an unrestricted and natural viticulture, free from chemical inputs. A strong believer in phytotherapy (using plant extracts to treat the vineyard), he lovingly cultivates his 29 hectares of vines – for the reds, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and bordelais varieties – planted on a sandy-clay soil rich in rounded pebbles, known as gress, proferring – thanks to the sun and Mistral wind – optimal conditions for their health and maturation. Grapes reaching peak maturity and vinification without any inputs to produce juice which is at once concentrated, intense without heaviness, in perfect natural balance, with long tank ageing (no wood) for a velvety, harmonious patina.
