Domaine Sainte Rose

Charles and Ruth Simpson’s passion for wine and their desire to invest in an emerging wine-producing area, led them to the exciting and highly diverse French region of Languedoc-Roussillon.
In the seven years that they have been at Sainte Rose the Simpsons have completely redesigned the winery, turning it into a state-of-the-art facility by gradually implementing major improvements in the vineyards and using environmentally sensitive farming techniques.

Their goal was to produce authentic, affordable, hand-crafted wines of distinction and so far their wine has been universally well-received by both the wine trade and consumers alike.

Charles and Ruth are firm believers in sustainable agriculture and their ‘green’ credentials in the vineyards include the automation of weed control, thus phasing out the use of herbicide; the retention of organic matter in the soil through mowing rather than ploughing between the rows of vines; and the use of only organically approved sprays during the growing season. The aim is to bring clean and healthy fruit into the winery, thus enabling a minimum intervention policy when making the wine. During the wine making process all wastewater is collected and reused or treated by the local distillery. And never content to rest on their laurels, the latest project on the Domaine is to replace one of the roofs of the winery with photovoltaic cells, which would help the Domaine move towards being a more ‘carbon neutral’ business.

What the Press say

Jancis Robinson: “This is a domaine that should be added to our list of Leading producers of the Languedoc Roussillon”. On the Barrel Selection Roussanne – “Sainte Rose have quite a history of growing Roussanne – it used to be blended with Chardonnay in their Vent du Nord. Very creamy, flattering texture with a real spine of acidity, some ripe greengage flavours and real depth of flavour and persistence. There’s something distinctly verdant about this wine – followers of Ch de Beaucastel Blanc, Vieilles Vignes might be interested to see this junior version. The oaking has been done with a very gentle hand. Bravo!”

Tim Atkin, MW, The Observer: “The rich toasty, citrus-like Domaine Sainte Rose Barrel Selection Roussanne…is an amazing wine. Tasting whites like these, I think it’s the Australians, not the French, who should worry.”

Jane McQuitty, The Times: on La Garrigue “Charles and Ruth Simpson left Blighty to make wine at their Languedoc Estate and almost every one has been a winner. This Garrigue, named after the pine and herb-scented scrub of southern France, is made from the estate’s mostly 50-year-old syrah and grenache grapes. Enjoy this gorgeous, hefty, peppery, garrigue-scented wine with barbecued red meats.”