DOMAINE VIRET

Domaine Viret is located 40 kilometres from Avignon, in the southern Rhôna. Although it has existed for over a hundred years, in 1999, the family separated from the local wine cooperative to produce wines according to the principles of its own philosophy — “cosmoculture”, under the leadership of Alain and his son Phillip. Their approach reminds many of biodynamics, but it is truly unique and difficult to categorize. What is it about? Cosmoculture is an agricultural practice focused on the equilibrium of terrestrial and celestial energies. Through bioenergetic principles, a natural balance of forces is established, energy is returned into the environment, and the ecosystem is preserved. Thus, an exchange of energy between the Earth and the Universe ensues. They draw their knowledge from different traditions of ancient cultures, such as the Mayan and Incan civilizations. Their vineyards are sprayed exclusively with natural herbal preparations, and the most abundantly planted variety is the local variety of Grenache, which has managed to successfully adapt to the dry and windy weather and dry and rocky soil of their region. In addition to Grenache, they also work with other local varieties, such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette Blanc, Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The style they prefer for their cellar is longer maceration and prolonged aging. However, the winery manages to retain exceptional freshness in its wines, taking into account the climate and vinification.