Marjorie Gallet quickly made a name for herself in Roussillon. Her sublime, schist terroirs, old Carignan and Grenache vines, and precise vinification certainly helped, but it’s her rigour and talent that truly made her stand out from the rest. Now in the hands of Thibault Ponthier, the estate is still going strong.
An estate created plot by plot
The choices made in the vineyard and the winery bring the best out of each white and red cuvée that Marjorie Gallet crafted from 2001 until 2024, when she handed over the reins of the estate. At just 23 years old, Marjorie Gallet, from Vienne in the Rhône Valley and used to big, family meals where wine was frequently enjoyed, got some friends involved in order to kick start her project: to create an estate from scratch and make her own wine. When she arrived in Roussillon, she was struck by ‘its violent nature’ and charmed by the diversity of its terroirs.
The one she chose, le Roc des Anges, is fully exposed to the north, an important criterion in this especially hot region. The name of this estate comes from a vine of Carignan planted on a vein of quartz. A slope of white soil, christened the ‘white rock’, shines among the surrounding black schists.
In the beginning, there were 10 hectares, and Marjorie was on her own. Little by little, more plots were purchased, growing the property to 50 hectares. In 2023, Marjorie and her husband sold a majority stake in business to Thibault Ponthier. They worked alongside him for that vintage to ensure a smooth handover.
In the heart of French Catalonia
The Roc des Anges vineyard lie in Northern Catalonia, leaning against the north face of the Força Réal mountain. The schist stone – in a vertical leafed structure, ensuring regular water to the vines – support the vines of Carignan Noir and Blanc, Grenache Noir and Gris, Maccabeu, and Syrah. These old vines, some of which are over 100 years old, produce only small quantities (15-20 hl/ha), though always with gusto.
Before launching herself into this venture, Marjorie Gallet had worked with Gérard Gauby where, far from simply learning a technique, she developed her whole approach to winemaking. Together with her husband Stéphane, who she met in 2008, she pushed the estate on, impassioned by the deep conviction that ‘nature is essential, the place confers its energy to the wine, and the light of Roussillon brightens without burning’. This was the beginning of their organic and biodynamic production, gaining certificates in 2010 and 2013, respectively.
Simplicity, logic, and understanding are at work in every gesture. The wines are matured in Burgundian barrels or in concrete vats, depending on the fruitiness of their character. They perfectly express the spirit of the winemaker: ‘a mixture of strength and elegance’.
Over time, Roc des Anges has become a family affair. Originally from Normandy, Stéphane Gallet met his future wife at the Montpellier agronomy school. This was an era in which they would escape to Roussillon together at weekends, discovering tis vineyards with amazement. Later, whilst Marjorie was developing Roc des Anges, Stéphane was making his first steps in Maury. This is a village close to his heart, as demonstrated by his purchase of vines destined to become traditional, natural sweet wines at Terres de Gagayra.
What does the Guide Vert from La Revue du vin de France think?
Brilliant and perfectionistic winemakers, Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet have worked together since 2008, putting a personal touch into their production, mainly from old Grenache and Carignan vines. The domain is now certified organic and biodynamic, and the wines have acquired outstanding finesse. If the 1903 cuvée (100% Carignan) has contributed significantly to the domain’s fame, Iglesia Vella (60-year-old Grenache Gris) and L’Oca (Macabeu from clay schists) are certainly of the same standard. This range of breath-taking wines is joined by Chamane, from Muscat grown at high altitudes, and Imalaya, Carignan Gris grown in granite. The domain’s strength has seen impressive growth.
