Domaine du Possible

Loïc Roure — Roussillon

Domaine du Possible is a natural wine estate in the Roussillon run by Loïc Roure. He started his project in 2003 after working for Amnesty International and then with winemakers like Thierry Allemand, which convinced him to pursue his passion. The name "Domaine du Possible" (The Winery of the Possible) reflects his philosophy of doing whatever is possible to craft the best wines while working with nature.

A Philosophy of Terroir and Patience

Loïc's winemaking is a journey of discovery and a deep respect for the land. He believes that true quality comes from a healthy vineyard and a hands-off approach in the cellar.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are certified organic, and he uses natural treatments like sulfur and plant infusions to protect his vines. The vineyards are worked by hand and with a tractor, and soil amendment is a priority to account for the region's very filtering soils.

  • Low Intervention: He avoids pumps, relying on gravity to move wine gently. He uses native yeasts and bottles his wines unfined and unfiltered.

  • Minimal Sulfur: Initially a staunch opponent of sulfur, he now adds a very small, "homeopathic" dose at bottling if needed to protect the wine, but many of his cuvées are made with no added sulfur.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The domaine is in the Fenouillèdes area of the Roussillon, a region known for its mountainous and rugged terrain.

  • Location: The vineyards are spread across several communes in the Agly Valley, near the village of Lansac, where Loïc lives and works in an old cooperative cellar. He also shares his cellar with Édouard Laffitte of Domaine du Bout du Monde.

  • Vineyard Area: The domaine covers about 10.5 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: He works with a range of classic Roussillon grapes, including Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu. Some of his vines are very old, with some Carignan vines over 100 years old.

  • Soils: The terroir is a mosaic of different soil types, including gneiss, schist, and granitic sand. This diversity contributes to the complexity and minerality of his wines.

Winemaking and Process

Loïc's cellar work is a reflection of his dedication to preserving the purity of the grapes.

  • Harvest: Grapes are hand-harvested and cooled before being placed in the cellar.

  • Vinification: He favors a cool fermentation and often uses whole cluster or semi-carbonic maceration to extract fresh fruit flavors and a light texture. He avoids over-extraction, creating wines that are light, juicy, and digestible.

  • Négociant Project: Since 2009, he has also run a small négociant project called "En attendant la pluie" (Waiting for the rain), through which he buys organic grapes from other growers, applying the same winemaking principles as his own domaine.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Domaine du Possible are known for their fresh, fruity character and vibrant acidity, often with playful names.

  • Charivari: A pure Carignan from old vines, often made with 100% carbonic maceration.

  • Le Fruit du Hasard: A blend of Carignan and Syrah.

  • Cours Toujours: A fresh and mineral white wine made from Macabeu and Carignan Blanc.

  • C'est pas la mer à boire: A red blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah.

Address & Contact

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

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