AOP Cabardès is an appellation located at the crossroads between Mediterranean and Atlantic weather patterns, where different winds, land and waters cross paths. Its geographic and climatic situation is unique among French wine regions, and the source of such a diverse range of grape varieties and myriad aromas in its wines.

Ensconced between the mountains and valleys, at elevations ranging from 100 to 300 metres above sea level, Domaine Bancalis in the Cabardès region is backed by the southern slope of the Black Mountain. At least six rivers supply water to its vineyards, and this same water also flows through the Canal du Midi. Its landscape bears the unmistakable signs of its dual natural heritage, with garrigue and rocks on one side, and woodlands and meadows on the other.

  • The Vineyard

    With approximately 12 hectares currently under vines, the terroir of the Bancalis vineyards is extremely special.

    The entrance to the Domaine starts at 300m and gently goes down to 100m with a rich patchwork of small vineyards scattered amongst the hills on the way.

    The geology of the soil has three different kinds of limestone (two from sweet water, and one from salted water) and one specific volcanic and alluvial soil (sand and quartz). Thanks to this unique geological position with 4 very different terroirs gathered in such a small area, Bancalis is known as “la petite Bourgogne” in the village of Aragon.

    The climate here is a delicate equilibrium between sunshine and rain, hot and cool temperatures.

    Although the influence of the Mediterranean climate on Cabardès is more distinctive – with its abundant sunshine, summer droughts and mild winters – Atlantic rainfall and the East-West wind lend freshness to the wines. This dual-faceted climate creates a unique vineyard setting for the Cabardès region, making it an “Appellation d'Origine Protégée” (AOP) unlike any other in France.

  • The Winemaker

    Bastien grew up surrounded by vineyards in Nuits-Saint-Georges, one of the most well known (and expensive!) wine villages of the Burgundy region.

    He studied agronomy for 5 years at University in France and has since worked on vineyards in France and around the world making wine and refining his craft.

    Bastien met his wife Paola when making wine in Mendoza, Argentina, where they married and spent 5 wonderful years together before returning to France to have children and look for a vineyard of their own to buy.

    They settled on Domaine Bancalis in the South of France, as historically this vineyard was very well known and its wines received many awards in the early 2000’s, but had fallen into disrepair as the owner aged.

    They decided this was the perfect opportunity for them to try to bring an ancient vineyard with excellent terroir back to its former glory (and beyond!) through different wine making techniques, planting new grapes, a focus on sustainability and, most importantly, giving the vineyard the love and light it deserves.