- White Wine
- Roussanne
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Peter Sichel
Tucked away in a hidden valley in a remote corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon lies a truly special place: the village of Cucugnan. Historically, there was much wine produced here, given its isolated location, but gradually the local people moved away to the towns. There are now just 130 people living in the village. As the vineyards were left mostly abandoned, the local flora and fauna were permitted to thrive. Cucugnan became a unique area, full of biodiversity, which shines through in the rare plants and flowers that grow there today.
Peter Sichel (of the Bordeaux négociant family) first discovered this valley on a road trip with a friend in the 1960s. He was so spellbound by the place that he bought a house there and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. The project grew, albeit slowly, but the arrival of Peter’s thoughtful and environmentally inspired grandson, Alexander Sichel, has turned the Domaine Peter Sichel project completely around.
Since 2019, Alexander has converted the estate to organics and biodynamics, achieving organic certification in 2022. Furthermore, he is committed to supporting polyculture in and around the vineyards, even enlisting the help of a PhD programme from a Dutch university to identify the incredible array of plant life in the vineyard.
Alexander’s grandfather planted the vines between 30-40 years old. Parcels of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Roussanne lie mostly on the best slopes of the valley. Starting from 350-500 metres’ altitude, these slopes have very little topsoil; the roots go almost straight into the bedrock. The viticultural team here has done much work to focus on the unique characteristics of each parcel to express the terroir of this stunning valley in the most authentic way.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
94 points (2023) - Michael Godel
The Cucugnan village terroir is called Termenès with 80-year-old roussanne vines at 500m within the larger and greater Languedoc influenced by both Mediterranean and Atlantic climates. The aromatics on the 2023 old vines varietal wine are extraordinary and captivating, leaving one speechless without having taken a sip. Takes off from where the most excellent 2022 left off and goes further, with more fruit and waves of character that light and spice up this truly special white. If Rhône and Languedoc white blends are the Rolling Stones than this roussanne is 1990s solo Bill Wyman, of a bass line that should never end. “Stuff, stuff, stack it on, stack it on up. Stuff, never gonna ever get enough stuff.” Drink 2025-2032. Tasted March 2025.
93 points (2023)
This is a barrel-aged roussanne from organically grown, old vines. It pours fairy deep lemon-gold. The nose is generous with fragrant, well integrated apricot/pineapple, honeysuckle, lanolin and subtle wood spice. It is medium-full bodied, creamy and rich with good acidity and some warmth, but remarkably only 12% alcohol. The finish is a bit stony, the length is excellent. Unlike mainstream roussanne, but a very fine wine. Tasted March 2025
91 points (2023) - John Szabo, MS
A solid follow up to the superb 2022 Old Vines Roussanne from Sichel tasted a month ago, if a little more raw and unpolished at this stage, still showing considerable oak flavour. There are palpable tannins on the palate as well, discombobulated and gangly for now, I'd say at least 2-3 years away from prime enjoyment. Doesn't quite deliver the same thrill as the '22, but give it time - stuffing it has. Tasted March 2025.