Camille & Thomas Fort | Domaine de Mouscaillo – Roquetaillade, Limoux: Pioneers of Sustainable Winemaking

Camille and Thomas Fort, both trained ecologists, are redefining the future of winemaking in the Languedoc region with a commitment to contemporary conservation. Their story is a microcosm of the rich winemaking history of Limoux. Let’s rewind.

The Romans planted the first vines, and in 1531, the Benedictine monks perfected the art of sparkling wine. Fast forward to the late 20th century, when visionary winemaker Didier Dagueneau sparked a realization for the Fort family about the true potential of their land. While the weight of over two millennia of winemaking history might seem daunting, it’s the drive for sustainable prosperity that propels them forward.

Every day, the Forts are surrounded by a "flavor paradise," and they approach their work as romantic scientists, guided by three main pillars:

1. The Landscape
The vineyards, located on the northern slopes of Limoux, are exposed to both the 'Cers' wind from the northwest and the 'Marin' wind from the east, promoting progressive grape ripening. These climatic factors help develop fresh, mineral textures in the wines.

2. The Mountains
Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire (Central Massif), the cooler terroir at altitude enhances the freshness of the wines. The neighboring mountain forests, rich in garrigue – the region’s distinctive dry-scrub flora – create a unique ecosystem that interacts with the vines. As Thomas puts it, "These grasses are in conference with our vines."

3. The Soil
With deep (10m) clay-limestone soils, the vineyards retain precious water, a key advantage during the hot, dry summers that define the region’s climate.

In this exceptional environment, Camille and Thomas focus on three distinct grape varieties:

Pinot Noir
A true standout, their Pinot Noir is among the best we’ve ever tasted. With perfumed aromas, a velvety texture, delicate red cherry and berry fruit, and balanced notes of cocoa and earthy vanilla, it’s a wine of exceptional character.

Chardonnay
Produced from 50-year-old vines in a valley ecosystem, their Chardonnay expresses elegant minerality with flavors of grapefruit, enhanced by the cooling effects of Mediterranean Sea air at high altitudes.

Mauzac
A native variety that resonates with Thomas and Camille’s ecological ethos, they restore and preserve Mauzac’s genetic diversity, including up to 80 different clones, contributing to its unique expression in the wines.

Fermentation and aging are carried out in large 450-600L puncheons, the ideal size for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay outside of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or.

With a strong commitment to conservation, Camille and Thomas prioritize the protection of their terroir. "We believe that maintaining a healthy environment is essential for producing quality grapes and interesting wines," they explain. Their focus on ecosystem preservation, genetic diversity (including massal selections and Mauzac conservation), and the use of green manure instead of fertilizers exemplify their sustainable winemaking philosophy.

Living a true paysan lifestyle, where the rhythm of life follows nature’s cycles, Camille and Thomas craft wines that are made in the vineyard, guided in the cellar, and recognized for their potential by renowned winemakers like Didier Dagueneau.

Explore Domaine de Mouscaillo Wines:

Domaine de Mouscaillo, craft exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Limoux. From our Domaine de Mouscaillo Pinot Noir 2019 to the elegant Domaine de Mouscaillo Limoux Blanc 2020 Chardonnay, each bottle tells the story of our commitment to organic practices and sustainable winemaking. For a sparkling experience, discover our Domaine de Mouscaillo Organic Crémant Limoux – a crisp, effervescent delight that captures the essence of our vineyard’s unique microclimate.

Each wine is crafted with passion, from hand-harvested grapes to meticulous cellar work, ensuring that the terroir of Limoux is reflected in every glass.