Domaine
RolsPatrick Rols
Biodynamic wines from the schist slopes overlooking the UNESCO village of Conques. Replanted in 2003 on ancient terroir, farmed by hand, vinified without sulfur.
Rols
⛪ Conques
Digger and innovator—replanting history on the slopes of Conques.
For several decades, Patrick Rols has been settled in Conques-en-Rouergue, the undiscovered heart of the South-West, where the medieval Abbey of Sainte-Foy draws pilgrims and the schist hills cradle forgotten vineyards. This is Aveyron—rugged, rural, and resistant to industrial fashion.
The vineyard was replanted in 2003, 2004, and 2005 on a site where vines had existed long before. Patrick chose to work with six hectares of steep schist slopes (some sources say 6.5ha), a backbreaking terrain where no machine can pass. The first harvest came in 2005.
His philosophy is uncompromising: biodynamic farming, hand harvesting into crates in October, and zero added sulfur in the cellar. The work is physical—this "big and solid gaillard" walks his vines daily, tending Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and the local Fer Servadou among the reds; Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay among the whites.
Present at the prestigious Dive Bouteille tasting and other natural wine salons, Patrick has earned recognition from importers like Les Caves in London and a dedicated following among those who seek authentic, handcrafted wines from France's hidden corners.
Respecté
Récolté
Six hectares on Precambrian schist, overlooking the village.
Surface
Six hectares of steep schist slopes at Le Colombier, Conques. The vineyard is divided into 4.5 hectares of red varieties and 1.5 hectares of white varieties. No tractors—everything is done by hand.
Sol
Pure schist terroir—Precambrian blue shale and slate that forces the vines to struggle. The stone fractures easily, allowing deep root penetration, and provides the distinctive mineral backbone and smoky character to the wines.
Première
First harvest in 2005 from vines planted on the site of ancient vineyards. Patrick rebuilt the vineyard from scratch on terraces where wine had been made for centuries before being abandoned.
Culture
Certified biodynamic and organic (Ecocert). No chemical treatments, no synthetic inputs. Soil work or cover cropping depending on the parcel, with strict respect for the lunar calendar and natural balances.
Vendanges
All grapes are hand-harvested in crates during October. The late harvest allows full phenolic ripeness on these high-altitude slopes, crucial for making zero-sulfur wines of character and stability.
Appellation
Classed as IGP Aveyron (formerly Vin de Pays de l'Aveyron). While nearby Marcillac has AOP status, Patrick works outside the designation, allowing freedom to plant Chenin, Chardonnay, and Merlot on the schist slopes.
Zero sulfur, whole-cluster, and the patience of schist.
Les Anciens
The flagship red—a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah from the oldest vines on the schist slopes. Traditional fermentation with carbonic maceration for freshness. Dark fruit, pepper, and the unmistakable smoky minerality of Aveyron schist. Zero sulfur added.
L'Amusette
From the Fer Servadou grape—indigenous to the region and perfectly adapted to the schist. This variety gives structured, age-worthy reds with bright acidity and wild berry notes. Named after the French word for amusement, but serious in the glass.
La Coccinelle
The Ladybug—Chenin Blanc grown on schist, not the limestone of the Loire. Vinified in barrels after settling, with extended aging. Tropical and balanced with a distinctive mineral streak. One of the few Chenins of the Aveyron.
Chardonnay Schiste
Chardonnay from the schist slopes—unusual for the variety which typically prefers limestone. The schist brings smoky, stony notes to the rich fruit. Fermented and aged in barrel, bottled without filtration. Fresh despite the southern latitude.
Rosé de Conques
Produced by direct pressing after 10-12 hours of skin maceration. A serious rosé with structure from the schist terroir—not the pale Provençal style, but a wine with texture and mineral backbone. Fermented with native yeasts, no sulfur.
Le Schiste
A parcellaire selection from the purest schist soils. Often a blend dominated by Fer Servadou and Syrah, showing the smoky, flinty character of the terroir. This is Patrick's testament to the unique geology of Conques—wild, rustic, and deeply mineral.
Visit the Cellar
Find us at Le Colombier, overlooking the medieval village of Conques. Visits to the vineyard and cellar by appointment—walk the schist slopes where vines have grown for centuries.
Domaine Rols
Le Colombier
12320 Conques-en-Rouergue
Aveyron, France
Patrick Rols
📧 contact@domaine-rols.fr
📞 +33 5 65 72 XX XX
🌐 Visits by appointment
Natural wine shops
Caveaux de Conques
Export (UK, EU)
Available at Dive Bouteille