Domaine du Bout du Monde

Édouard Laffitte , Roussillon

Édouard Laffitte's path to becoming a natural winemaker was forged through hard work and a keen eye for a unique opportunity. After spending years at a cooperative cellar, he struck out on his own in the Roussillon region, establishing Domaine du Bout du Monde (meaning "Winery at the End of the World"). His venture is named for its remote, high-altitude location, a place where he has found the perfect terroir for crafting fresh, vibrant, and pure wines.

A Philosophy of Terroir and Freshness

Édouard's philosophy is centered on expressing the unique character of his high-altitude vineyards. He aims to produce wines that are not just clean and natural but also lively and full of fruit, a contrast to the powerful, high-alcohol wines often associated with the hot climate of the Roussillon.

  • Respect for the Land: His vineyards are farmed organically, with a focus on preserving the health of the soil and the natural ecosystem.

  • Altitude and Aspect: He specifically chose vineyards at a higher altitude with northern exposure. This strategic choice helps to preserve the grapes' acidity and freshness, which is a hallmark of his style.

  • Minimalist Approach: Édouard’s winemaking is non-interventionist. He relies on indigenous yeasts for fermentation, uses no additives, and bottles his wines unfined and unfiltered, often with no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​).

The Vineyards and Terroir

Domaine du Bout du Monde covers approximately 7.7 hectares across three different communes in the Roussillon, each with its own distinct terroir.

  • Location: The vineyards are spread across the communes of Lansac, Rasiguères, and Cassagnes in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

  • Vineyard Area: ~7.7 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: The domaine is planted with classic Roussillon varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Roussanne.

  • Diverse Soils: The three communes offer a rich variety of soil types: granitic sand in Lansac, schist in Rasiguères, and gneiss in Cassagnes. This diversity contributes to the complexity and distinctiveness of his wines.

Winemaking and Process

Édouard's winemaking is meticulous and designed to preserve the integrity of the fruit. His cellar, a former cooperative cellar, provides him with the perfect space to practice his craft.

  • Harvest: All grapes are harvested by hand.

  • Vinification: He favors natural winemaking techniques, including carbonic maceration and low-temperature fermentation, to extract fresh fruit flavors and soft tannins.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for a short period in various vessels, typically to preserve their youthful, fruit-driven character before being bottled without any filtration.

Signature Wines to Discover

Édouard’s wines are known for their vibrant energy, pure fruit, and refreshing acidity.

  • L'Échappée Belle – A popular red blend that embodies his juicy, easy-drinking style.

  • Tam-Tam – A pure Syrah that showcases the elegance and spice of the grape.

  • Un Autre Monde – A unique white wine.

  • Brave Margot – A cuvée that reflects the terroir and freshness of the white grapes.

Visit & Connect

Domaine du Bout du Monde is a small, personal operation. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: 13 Bis Avenue des Platanes, 66720 Lansac, France.