Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet quietly worked their way to the top of the Roussillon in Montner; today, Thibault Ponthier continues to run the estate. Roc des Anges – named after a white quartz rock in their vineyards – combines Mediterranean warmth with cool winds from the Pyrenees. Biodynamically farmed schist terraces, some planted with 100-year-old vines, yield wines of meditative calm: crystalline whites from Grenache Gris and Macabeu, profound reds from Carignan and Grenache.
More about Roc des Anges
On the terraces of Montner
The small village of Montner lies on the northern slope of the Força Real, sheltered from the scorching Mediterranean sun. Today, Thibault Ponthier, successor to founders Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet, cultivates 25 hectares across twenty different parcels – schist soils formed over millennia from pure clay and silicon. The vertical structure of the rock stores water for dry periods, while the altitude of up to 400 metres guarantees cool nights. The average yield is a mere 15 hectolitres per hectare – testament to old vines and uncompromising work.
Gérard Gauby’s legacy
Marjorie Gallet began her winemaking career with Gérard Gauby, the father of modern Roussillon. There she learnt the fundamentals of biodynamic viticulture, which she later perfected at her own estate. From Gauby’s nucleus emerged some of the region’s most exciting domaines: Matassa, Terroir al Limit and Roc des Anges. From 2008, Marjorie worked alongside Stéphane, who brought his expertise in oxidative ageing. Today, the domaine is certified biodynamic.
White wines with character
Grenache Gris and Macabeu yield harmonious white wines with Mediterranean character. Pi Vell is a single-varietal Macabeu from vines that have stood here for generations – herbal, lemony, with salinity and dried herbs. The Llum, made from Grenache Gris, reveals the elegant side of the domaine. All the white wines mature in neutral casks and rest, like Marjorie herself, in absolute inner calm.
Carignan and Mediterranean cuvées
Among the red grape varieties, Carignan was particularly close to Marjorie’s heart. The 1903 Carignan comes from ungrafted vines planted more than a century ago. At alarmingly low yields, it produces a profound wine of meditative calm. Segna de Cor is the flagship among the red cuvées: Grenache, Carignan and Syrah unite in dark, spicy aromas – Mediterranean herbs, olive, dark chocolate. A wine for life-affirming cuisine.
Maury: a Roussillon speciality
Stéphane brought his experience in oxidative ageing to the production of Maury – a sweet natural wine with a long tradition in Roussillon. The Maury from 1996 offers aromas of dried plums, figs and roasted nuts. The sweetness is perfectly integrated, and the freshness is preserved by slight chilling. It accompanies nutty dishes, chocolate desserts and blue cheese with the same elegance as the dry wines accompany a Mediterranean menu. Similarly timeless quality can be found at Terres de Fagayra, the Gallets’ second project.