Domaine Lafage joins Hallgarten & Novum Wines’ expanding French portfolio
Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has broadened its French portfolio with the addition of leading Roussillon-based producer, Domaine Lafage. Available exclusively through Hallgarten Wines to the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors, the new addition has strengthened the distributor’s leading collection of wines from the Roussillon, one of the most exciting and underrated wine regions in France.
Peter Doherty, Wine Buyer for France at Hallgarten Wines, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Domaine Lafage to the Hallgarten portfolio. The Roussillon is a region I have always loved and been passionate about; it produces wines of outstanding quality and value, and has incredible diversity of terroirs and microclimates. Lafage is a worthy addition to our portfolio strengthening our already growing French portfolio – Jean Marc Lafage is a pioneering figure not just in the Roussillon but in all of France and is known for his commitment to quality, sustainability and regenerative viticulture. I am ecstatic to share these wines with Hallgarten’s customers.”
Jean-Marc Lafage, winemaker at Domaine Lafage, commented: “We are delighted to work with Hallgarten & Novum Wines, a team that is strong, motivated, and experienced. Domaine Lafage has high expectations for the UK market, which is strategic for us and renowned worldwide for its mature and discerning consumers who appreciate quality and innovation – values we share and identify with.”
The Lafage family has been crafting wines in the Roussillon for seven generations, with a rich history dating back to 1798. The picturesque estate overlooks Canigou, the Pyrenean Mountain peak in this Catalan region. The family cultivates over 300 hectares of vineyards, which span six distinct terroirs ranging from 30 to 80 hectares each, spread mosaic-like across the Roussillon, from the shores of the Mediterranean in Canet-en-Roussillon to the foothills of the Pyrenees in Aspres.
Winemaking at Domaine Lafage is led by Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage, the current owners and a dynamic team. They met during their oenology studies and have worked vintages across the world in South America, California, South Africa, and Australia, before returning to France in 2001 to take over the family estate. Jean-Marc has a strong focus on the vineyards and viticulture, ensuring the unique terroirs are expressed to their fullest potential, while Eliane brings her expertise to the winery, crafting wines that reflect the essence of the Roussillon.
Their winemaking ethos is to innovate and showcase the unique terroirs of the Roussillon – working with key varietals such as Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, Grenache Blanc Macabeu, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Vermentino, and to produce wines with respect for the land. The vineyards are dispersed with designated ecological zones comprising fallow land, garrigue, and moorland to enrich the biodiversity of the land, and they have 140 hectares of cover crops sown between the vines. Jean-Marc and Eliane have adapted their viticultural practices over time and active use regenerative agricultural practices. They work closely with the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) to share best practices in regenerative agriculture.
