Generations of Wine Wizards: Domaine Lafond
Tucked away in the heart of the revered Rhone Valley in France, you'll discover Domaine Lafond—a winery steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition. This estate's roots run deep, tracing back through generations, making it a true embodiment of the artistry of winemaking.
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Horse and Wine?
Pascal Odoyer, the great-uncle of Jean-Pierre Lafond, held the prestigious position of governor in the charming village of Tavel. He was not just an official; he also blazed a trail as one of the very first winemakers in his village. The tradition of winemaking ran deep in his family, passing down from father to son through the generations.
Valéry Taulier, Pascal Lafond's grandfather, left a remarkable mark on Tavel's winemaking history. He went a step further and built the region's very first private wine cellar, a testament to his dedication to the craft. Valéry's efforts extended beyond the vineyards; he played a crucial role in fostering connections between the esteemed Burgundy wine merchants and the burgeoning wine scene in Tavel.
Jean-Pierre Lafond, who happened to be Valéry Taulier's son-in-law, decided to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors. He embarked on his own winemaking journey, founding his estate. Fascinated by horse racing, he chose to name his winery "Roc-Epine" in honour of Roquepine, a legendary racehorse. And tada! Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine came into existence, a delightful fusion of heritage, passion, and equestrian charm.
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An Organic Adventure
Pascal Lafond, the son of Jean-Pierre Lafond, joined the estate, and together with his father, they made a significant choice – to exclusively sell their wines in bottles, including Tavel, Lirac, and Côtes du Rhône. Then, they took a leap across the Rhône River, venturing into Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This marked the beginning of their journey in this prestigious appellation, starting with a modest 87 acres of land, which translates to around 4,000 bottles of wine.
But the adventure didn't stop there. They made a bold decision to transition to organic farming. It meant bidding farewell to pesticides, herbicides, and all those other chemical products. Instead, they opted for copper and sulfite to protect their vineyards from diseases, leading them to proudly receive their organic certification. Now, Jean-Baptiste Lafond, Pascal Lafond’s son, has joined the game. His journey into the world of wine followed his completion of a BTS Viticulture Oenology degree at Beaunes, just like their organic certified wines!
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The Winemaking Mastery:
At Domaine Lafond, each grape is carefully handpicked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes its way to the cellar. In the cellars, a marriage of age-old techniques and modern technology takes place. The grapes are gently pressed, and the juice is left to ferment in tanks that have witnessed the creation of countless vintages. The result is a symphony of flavours and aromas that capture the very essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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Vineyards Galore
At Domaine Lafond, they work with various vineyards; Tavel, Lirac, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône.
1. Tavel
Tavel, situated in the southern Rhône wine region of France, is a designated wine-growing region known for producing exclusively rosé wines. These rosés must contain at least 11% alcohol. Here, there are 21 different plots with various types of soil, where each adds their own flavours to the wine. To create a unique Tavel wine, the winemaker carefully selects grape varieties based on the soil type. Tavel's vineyards mainly have two types of soil, and when they blend together, you get the famous Tavel rosé wine. For example, at Domaine Lafond, they grow Syrah on clay and limestone soil, which makes a wonderful match.
🔥 Domaine Lafond Rosé Tavel Roc-Epine: Date night is near, no need to fear! This beautiful bottle of Rosé wine is here to save the day! You'll get whiffs of strawberry and blackberry on the nose, and tart cherry, strawberry and spice on the palate. Pair this with a charcuterie board and you're an instant winner.
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2. Lirac
In October 1947, the INAO officially granted Lirac its AOC status, a recognition of its quality. This designation showcased Lirac to the world, offering a variety of wines including the traditional rosé, as well as red and white wines for the future. While Lirac's "galets roulés" may not be as famous as others, they contribute depth and body to the wine. With vineyards spread across various soil types, from "galets roulés" to limestone, the winery can truly harness the potential of this appellation.
🔥 Domaine Lafond Blanc Lirac Roc-Epine: When you drink this wine, you will be immediately transported to a field of flowers. Floral, buttery and honey goodness with the tartness of apricot and peach gives a bright and refreshing burst in your mouth. This is definitely your next brunch wine!
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3. Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape's history is closely tied to the popes who, in the 14th century, discovered its exceptional terroir during their residence in Avignon. Under the rule of John XXII, the village became the papal summer retreat. Recognizing the quality of the wines produced here, he elevated them to the status of "Vin du Pape," gaining favour in the grand European courts.
Domaine Lafond cultivates three Châteauneuf-du-Pape plots: Pradel, Route de Courthézon, and Les Grandes Serres. Their approach remains traditional, with an emphasis on Grenache and Syrah. Grenache, in particular, contributes to the renowned reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
🔥 Domaine Lafond Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Just like the name of this wine that is a struggle to pronounce, it is long, bold and complex. Strong earthy, vanilla, oak and blackberry notes produce a beautifully opulent and rich wine that will make you tear up a little. We guarantee you'll feel luxurious as you take each sip of this wine!
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4. Côtes du Rhône
The Côtes du Rhône appellation encompasses a broad array of grape varieties. Most of the vineyards affiliated with Domaine Lafond are positioned near the village of Saint Marcel D’Ardèche, approximately an hour north of the estate. This northern location bestows a refreshing, fruit-forward quality to the wines due to its consistently cooler climate. Creating fresh and fruity red wines aligns seamlessly with Domaine Lafond's wine making ethos.
🔥 Domaine Lafond Rouge Roc-Epine: This wine is sugar, spice and everything nice! The soft nuanced aromas of cherry, blackberry and raspberry with pepper makes for a velvety smooth wine that is easy drinking and gives a pleasant finish. We thank the grape gods of grenache and syrah for bringing this wine into the world - so bright and so full of life.
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