The New Don(n)e: Freshness and Elegance
Wilfried Valat's wines are characterized by their authenticity, respect for the terroir, and minimal intervention. The result is compelling, with fresh and elegant wines.
When he decided to settle near Calce in 2007, Wilfried took over a vineyard slated for uprooting. Today his estate covers 5 hectares located on the heights of the Col de la Done, which forms a magnificent natural amphitheater with soils composed of orange, brown and beige schist.
The terrain is extreme, with slopes ranging from 10 to 25%, and is particularly unstable. This chaotic topography creates numerous exposures, with a predominance of plots facing north. It is one of the most beautiful, biodiverse, and wild areas in the South of France.
The weather conditions put a severe strain on the vines, which must endure extremely low rainfall from May to October. The Tramontane winds blow and sweep across the soil and vegetation for almost nine months, all under scorching heat throughout the summer.
The soils are acidic, poor in organic matter and clay. Under these conditions, obtaining even a few grapes is a miracle; yields drop to between 10 and 15 hl/ha. A handful of grapes that Wilfried will take the utmost care of in order to reveal the brilliance of their natural aromas. Everything is done by hand; the grapes and juice are never handled roughly. The result of this meticulous work in such challenging conditions is perfectly reflected in his wines. We adore them for their freshness, their delicacy, their elegance, and a certain complexity.
Mustango reveals itself from the very first sip, with its beautiful smoky aromas, sensations of purity, and the freshness of its iodine. The journey continues with delicate and elegant notes of white flowers. Light citrus bitterness adds complexity and tension to a finish that is at once crisp, intricate, and mouthwatering. It's a stunning wine.
Neo Nervis, meaning 'The New Nerves', comes from a soil composed of brown schist located at Clot de la Berne. It is a pure stony wine, a macabeu unlike any other.
The vineyard is subjected to extreme weather conditions. Wilfried lets the grapes ripen in the sun and harvests them during the first half of August. Yields are low at 15 hL/ha.
The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small crates, then refrigerated overnight. The juice is pressed directly, and vinification is carried out using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in truncated conical wooden vats for 12 months on its lees, without stirring or racking.
Upon opening, its pale golden hue reveals aromas of delicate white flowers enhanced by a subtle hint of lemon zest. Its mineral purity and refreshing iodine character evoke the scent of sea spray. Neo Nervis is simultaneously simple, with its crisp, mouthwatering character, and complex, thanks to the interplay of saline, floral, and smoky notes.
Kashmir , the choice of name for this vintage is far from insignificant. Wilfried delivers an atypical Carignan with a delicate, velvety, silky texture.
The Carignan vines are 50 years old and grow on north and south-facing slopes, on grey and brown schist soils. Maceration takes place in concrete vats and the wines are aged in stainless steel tanks for 12 months.
Kashmir is a pure indulgence of red fruits—strawberries, cherries, and a hint of tomato—and black fruits like blackcurrant. The acidity of its redcurrant and spicy notes enhances the intensity of the aromas. Its lovely briny freshness prolongs the pleasure in a truly remarkable way. Ideal for convivial moments this summer!