Le Plus Joli 2018

Domaine Modat is a small, family-run winery in the commune of Cassagnes, nestled in the Agly Valley, 30km west of Perpignan at an altitude of 200-300m. Since founding the estate in 2007, Philippe Modat has worked the vineyards organically—achieving certification in 2014—and biodynamically, though without official certification. Today, the estate is in the capable hands of his dynamic and hard-working sons. The vineyards, composed primarily of well-drained Gneiss soils, are home to a range of indigenous Roussillon varieties, including remarkable 115-year-old Carignan. Over the last decade, the family has built a modern, carbon-neutral winery and deepened their commitment to biodynamic viticulture, focusing on restrained extraction, wild yeast fermentation, and minimal sulphur use. With 24 hectares under vine, meticulous selection is a priority. A green harvest is carried out before the main harvest, and all grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. The Petit Mod’Amour wines are vinified entirely in stainless steel, while others see time in oak. Domaine Modat remains relatively under the radar, yet they produce a striking range of beautifully textured wines—delicate, fresh, and full of southern charm. Winemaking Detail: Selection of their 3 best barrels from over 60 blind tasted. Grapes are hand-harvested at full phenolic maturity into 12kg boxes, passing over a sorting table to remove debris and dry grains. Transferred into 25hl tanks, for a short cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by fermentation and a long maceration for silky tannins in thermo-regulated vats (20 to 25 days), with light punch-downs. 18 months aging in French oak barrels.

Selection of their 3 best barrels from over 60 blind tasted. Grapes are hand-harvested at full phenolic maturity into 12kg boxes, passing over a sorting table to remove debris and dry grains. Transferred into 25hl tanks, for a short cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by fermentation and a long maceration for silky tannins in thermo-regulated vats (20 to 25 days), with light punch-downs. 18 months aging in French oak barrels.

Deep, dark and concentrated on the nose and on the palate. Black cherry, damson fruit with a smokey, coffee and chocolate note. The tannins are powerful but balanced by a crisp acidity.

Lamb stew, Ragu, Steak

Cotes Catalan is possibly one of the most exciting and understated IGPs in the Languedoc and even in the whole of the South of France. Stretching from the base of the Pyrenees down to the Mediterranean coast it covers a range of Mediterranean terroirs surrounded by garrigue-covered hills and poor, dry soils. The hot climate, with low annual rainfall, ensures that the native varieties of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Rousanne, Viogner and Carignan ripen with concentration and power, whilst a fresh breeze up from the Med and down from the mountains ensures freshness and acidity. In the best sites, old vines and schistous soils, produce intensely mineral, flavourful and powerful reds and whites unlike any others.