The Story Behind Domaine La Bancale: Passion, Terroir, and Sustainability in the Agly Valley

Since 2014, in the heart of the Agly Valley near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Domaine La Bancale has been crafting exceptional wines under the stewardship of Bastien Baillet and Céline Schuers. This small estate is celebrated for its commitment to natural winemaking, eschewing chemicals both in the vineyard and the cellar. Instead, the duo focuses on meticulous vine care and fostering healthy soil life, using only minimal amounts of copper, sulfur, and essential oils. The results speak for themselves, with standout cuvées like the acclaimed Chair Blanche Marne Noire offering compelling proof of their efforts.

A Shared Journey of Passion and Discovery

The roots of Domaine La Bancale lie in the shared passion of Bastien and Céline, whose journey began in their teenage years. Bonded by a mutual love for nature and hands-on work, they ventured to the Languedoc region in their twenties, eager to immerse themselves in agriculture. Bastien pursued studies in viticulture at Montpellier, while both honed their skills working at various estates across the Languedoc and Roussillon.

It was during these formative years that they fell in love with the native grape varieties and the historic bush vine vineyards of Southern France. Old-vine Carignan, in particular, captured their imagination, leading them to train with influential winemakers like Jean-Louis Tribouley and the team at Domaine de l’Ausseil in Latour-de-France. Here, in the cooler, terroir-rich Fenouillèdes region, Bastien and Céline recognized the potential for crafting balanced, terroir-driven wines that honor the region’s indigenous grapes.

Building Their Dream

Fueled by their vision, the couple set out to establish their own vineyards. In 2014, they acquired just over a hectare of old vines, marking the start of their winemaking journey. Over the years, their Domaine has grown to nearly 5 hectares, spread across five communes, each contributing to the diversity of their wines.

From the outset, Bastien and Céline have adhered to sustainable farming practices. Their vineyards are farmed organically, with the estate currently in the process of obtaining full Organic certification. Their approach ensures that every bottle from Domaine La Bancale reflects the health of the land and the authenticity of the Fenouillèdes terroirs.

Wines That Tell a Story

The wines of Domaine La Bancale are a testament to the couple’s dedication to their craft. With their careful attention to the land and minimalist intervention in the cellar, Bastien and Céline have created wines that are not only a pleasure to drink but also a reflection of the unique character of the Agly Valley.

For lovers of natural wine and those seeking authentic expressions of Southern France, Domaine La Bancale is a must-discover. The story of Bastien and Céline is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep respect for the land—qualities that shine through in every sip.