Wilfried Valat | La Nouvelle Don(n)e, Calce, Roussillon: Master of Biodynamic Winemaking
Wilfried Valat represents the essence of contemporary French winemaking – a combination of classical training with a modern twist. With a biochemistry degree and honed skills from prestigious Burgundian estates such as Vosne-Romanée and Givry.
Wilfried learned the centuries-old art of crafting elegant and fresh wines. His expertise lies in creating wines with precise fruit, a distinctive mineral backbone, and a clear expression of terroir.
After mastering Burgundy, Wilfried sought a new adventure in the rugged and unyielding terroir of Roussillon, where he discovered Col de la Dona – one of the wildest and most challenging terrains in France.
The region is shaped by the powerful Tramontane winds, which blow from the Atlantic and gather strength as they are funneled between the Pyrenees and the Central Massif. These winds play a vital role in the winemaking process, cooling the vines during the hot Roussillon summers and preventing over-ripening. This results in slow, concentrated, and balanced fruit development, perfect for producing premium wine.
This enables fruit flavours to develop slowly, more concentrated and balanced.
Wilfried’s vision is to allow nature to take the lead, with minimal human intervention.
His deep knowledge of biochemistry allows him to connect the atomic relationship between the soil and the cellar, creating wines that are both rich in character and purity. The terrain itself is a winemaker's dream, with its schist, marl, and shale soils – an environment rivaling that of the famous Mosel Valley.
Wilfried farms only indigenous grape varieties, including Carignan, Grenache, Macabeu, and Mourvèdre – all of which have adapted to the extremes of this challenging landscape. The fermentation process is carried out with native yeasts, while the pressing is done gently to minimize stress and extract the purest essence of the grapes. His wines feature minimal sulphur to maintain their natural integrity.
The yields are small, yet the wines exhibit mind-boggling richness, depth, and minerality, reminiscent of Burgundy’s finest offerings. Wilfried’s vines are surrounded by native flora, such as wild lavender, fennel, thyme, and a variety of trees including olive, hawthorn, oak, and chestnut – forming the distinctive "garrigue" ecosystem that defines the Roussillon terroir.
We affectionately call Wilfried "The Carignan King," as his artisan wines, crafted with passion and expertise, reflect a deep respect for both nature and tradition. We proudly offer five of his exceptional wines.
Explore La Nouvelle Don(n)e Wines
La Nouvelle Don(n)e Kashmir 2017 Red Wine
A deep and complex red, full of character, reflecting the unique Roussillon landscape.
La Nouvelle Don(n)e Vertigo 2017 Red Wine
Experience the bold flavors of this red, embodying the dynamic heights of Roussillon with depth and richness.
La Nouvelle Don(n)e Bossa Nova 2021
A lively, fresh red with a rhythm of flavors that dance across the palate.
La Nouvelle Don(n)e Neo 2020 White Wine
A crisp, elegant white wine with bright citrus notes, perfect for pairing with seafood.
La Nouvelle Don(n)e Mustango 2021 White Wine
A fresh and vibrant white wine, showcasing the unique terroir of Roussillon with each sip.