Bascule

Caroline and Stéphane Morin are key figures in the natural wine movement, particularly in the Roussillon region of France. Together, they run Domaine Léonine and a parallel négociant project called La Bascule. Their work is a testament to their dedication to producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of their terroir.

A Philosophy of Purity and "Pompophobia"

The Morins' winemaking philosophy can be summed up by their own term: "pompophobe." This playful word means they have an aversion to pumps and instead rely on gravity to move the wine throughout the winemaking process. This simple act reflects their broader commitment to a hands-off, minimalist approach.

  • Respect for Nature: The Morins practice organic farming in their vineyards and avoid chemical treatments, opting for natural preparations.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, they let the grapes and natural yeasts do the work. They do not add external yeasts or other inputs. Filtration and fining are also avoided.

  • Minimal Sulfur: They use sulfur only in "homeopathic" doses and only if absolutely necessary, with many of their wines having no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​) at all. Their goal is to create wines that are clean, digestible, and true to the fruit.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Domaine Léonine was established in 2005 and is located on the foothills of the Albères mountains in Saint-André, Pyrénées-Orientales.

  • Location: Saint-André (and surrounding communes), Roussillon.

  • Vineyard Area: The domaine covers around 12 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: They grow a range of classic Roussillon grapes, including Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Viognier.

  • Farming Practices: The vineyards are certified organic, with a focus on a healthy, living soil. They work the land with a tractor and by hand to manage weeds and promote healthy vine growth.

Winemaking and Process

The Morins' approach to winemaking is intuitive and hands-on, with a focus on gentle handling.

  • Harvest & Sorting: Grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit makes it to the cellar.

  • Vinification: The winemaking process is done with gravity, and fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts. They use a variety of vessels, including old barrels for some cuvées.

  • La Bascule Project: Recognizing the value of collaboration, they created the négociant project La Bascule in 2019. This allows them to source organically farmed grapes from other trusted growers in the region, including their friend Fifi Essome, and to experiment with new blends and styles.

Signature Wines to Discover

The Morins' wines are known for their lively character and often have memorable, playful names.

  • Qué Pasa? – A fresh and mineral white wine.

  • Banderole – Often a 100% Mourvèdre, known for its structure and complexity.

  • Bottle Neck – A vibrant and accessible red blend.

  • La Bascule – The name given to their négociant project, with various wines under this label that are known for their pure fruit and drinkability.

Visit & Connect

Domaine Léonine is a working winery, and visits are generally by appointment only. However, the Morins are active and engaged in the natural wine community.

  • Address: 75 Chemin de la Carrerasse, 66690 Saint-André, France.