Soil and terroir - Languedoc terroirs facing the Mediterranean sea

Soil and terroir

The Moulin de Gassac Selection is produced from the finest plots of a unique Languedoc terroir. A remarkable amphitheatre of vines facing the Mediterranean and the port of Sète, the hills of Villeveyrac are the source of these flavourful red wines, with a distinctly southern character.

The clay-limestone soil (rich in bauxite and therefore in iron) is dry and well-drained.
The terroir enables the grapes to reach full maturity, with a superb concentration of flavours and a naturally reduced yield.

The plots for the white and rosé wines are selected from the area around the Thau Lagoon, near the village of Pinet. The soil is clay-alluvium with a small quantity of pebbles.
This high-quality terroir benefits from the influence of the Mediterranean, producing wines with a remarkable freshness.

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT & ITS BIODIVERSITY

Our Mas de Daumas Gassac philosophy has been extended to our Moulin de Gassac Selection. The winegrowers in Villeveyrac and Pinet share the same values.

For several years, the plots of vines that we select have been looked after respecting the environment and its biodiversity. This commitment is becoming stronger and stronger and widespread in our region. Here are the initiative we set up to achieve our philosophy:

1. Pest control

Introduction of mating disruption: this technique reduces parasites and insects by disrupting the hormonal system during the reproduction period. Fewer eggs are produced reducing the number of larvae that cause direct damage.

Introduction of bat nesting boxes in vineyard: As predators of the moths responsible for grape-worms, bats (especially pipistrelles) help reducing the populations of these pests and the damage they cause by laying their eggs on the grapes.

2. Management of the soil:

Initiative to avoid using herbicides and encouraging biodiversity:

mechanical weed control,
and grassing (maintenance of plant cover).

These approaches promote the development of alternatives to chemical pest control.

Terra Vitis, the stamp of French vinegrower-winemakers who respect nature, Man and wine.

Our Moulin de Gassac wines will have Terra Vitis certification, by the end of the 2020 year. What does that mean?

Winegrowers with Terra Vitis approval (which includes those in Villeveyrac) garantee to:

Promote sustainable winegrowing, on an environmental, social and economic basis,
Give a preference to natural regulation mechanisms,
Strive to create a healthy environment for the producer, his employees and the local residents,
Develop biodiversity in plots and surrounding land,
Improve and preserve the quality of the water, air and soil.