Aurélien PETIT – Le Petit Domaine — Hérault

Aurélien Petit – Le Petit Domaine — Hérault

Aurélien Petit's journey into winemaking began in 2012 when he established Le Petit Domaine in Montpeyroux, in the heart of the Hérault region of Languedoc. As the name suggests, his is a small-scale, personal operation, but it is one that has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most vibrant and compelling natural wines in the region. His approach is deeply hands-on, focused on capturing the pure essence of the Languedoc terroir with minimal intervention.

A Philosophy of Purity and Expression

Aurélien's philosophy is rooted in a desire to craft wines that are a direct and honest expression of their environment. He believes that the best wines are born in the vineyard, and his role is simply to guide them to the bottle.

  • Natural Winemaking: He is a firm believer in low-intervention winemaking. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts.

  • Minimalist Approach: The winemaking process is deliberately simple, with no additives, and minimal or no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​), allowing the unique character of the fruit to shine through.

  • Terroir-First: His focus is on showcasing the unique climate and diverse soils of Montpeyroux, resulting in wines that are fresh, balanced, and full of personality.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Le Petit Domaine covers approximately 5 hectares of vines spread across several small parcels just outside the village of Montpeyroux. The terroir here is a mosaic of different soil types, contributing to the complexity and depth of the wines.

  • Location: Montpeyroux, Hérault

  • Vineyard Area: ~5 hectares across 7 different plots.

  • Grape Varieties: The vineyards are primarily planted with classic Languedoc red varieties, including Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, along with some Cinsault and Chenin Blanc.

  • Farming Practices: Aurélien is committed to organic and regenerative farming. He eschews chemical treatments, instead promoting biodiversity through cover crops and natural vegetation, allowing the vines to thrive in a balanced ecosystem.

Winemaking and Process

The winemaking takes place in a small cellar located on the ground floor of his house in the village of Montpeyroux. This intimate setting allows him to maintain complete control over the entire process, from grape to bottle.

  • Harvest & Sorting: Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted, either in the vineyard or upon arrival at the cellar.

  • Fermentation: Depending on the wine, grapes are either destemmed for traditional maceration or kept whole for carbonic maceration. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks or other small vessels.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for varying periods, often in neutral oak barrels or fiberglass vats, to allow them to develop and stabilize naturally before bottling.

Signature Wines to Discover

Aurélien's wines are known for their vibrant energy and impeccable balance, often with playful names that reflect their character.

  • Touche pas au Grisbi – A lively red blend, often featuring Syrah and Grenache.

  • Le Myrmidon – Another distinctive red wine, known for its bright fruit and elegant structure.

  • Cyclope – A unique wine, often a blend that showcases the complexity of the region.

  • La Pinarderie – A fresh and crisp white wine, sometimes a blend of Chenin Blanc and other white grapes.

Visit & Connect

The cellar of Le Petit Domaine is located in the heart of Montpeyroux. While not a traditional tasting room with fixed hours, Aurélien welcomes visitors by appointment.