Gilles Trouillet

History of Domaine Gilles Troullier

The story of Domaine Gilles Troullier begins in the 1990s, when Gilles Troullier explored the world of wine and completed his first vinification at the Abbaye de Lérins in 1992, accompanied by early experiments in biodynamics. He then joined Michel Chapoutier in the Southern Rhône, before taking charge of the group's activities in Roussillon with the creation of Domaine de Bila-Haut in Latour-de-France, which he developed over the years to a considerable size, acclaimed by international critics.

From his arrival in the region, and particularly from 2002 onwards, Gilles acquired or leased small plots of old vines, including an 80-year-old grenache, and began vinifying for his own account alongside his professional duties. When the joint venture with Chapoutier came to an end, he decided to forge his own path and officially founded his domaine in 2012. An artisan and independent winemaker, he surrounded himself with fine neighbouring names such as Olivier Pithon, Les Foulards Rouges and Domaine Riberach, and within a few years established his singular mark in the natural wine landscape of Roussillon.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Gilles Troullier

The terroir of Domaine Gilles Troullier spans 6 to 9 hectares of fragmented vineyards around Tarerach, Trévillach, Calce and Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, in the heart of Roussillon. The plots are planted on granite and schist soils, at high altitudes ranging from 450 to 600 metres. The winemaker owns nothing below 350 metres and cultivates some of the highest-altitude syrahs in the region, close to 600 metres — a distinctive feature that is the key to his style.

This altitude makes it possible to achieve true ripeness while retaining reasonable alcohol levels and fresh, taut palates. The grape varieties are principally syrah, grenache, carignan and lledoner pelut, often from old vines. In the vineyard, Gilles Troullier applies the principles of organic farming and biodynamics, without seeking certification, using no synthetic pesticides and limiting himself to moderate doses of sulphur and copper to protect his grapes.

Vinifications of Domaine Gilles Troullier

Vinification at Domaine Gilles Troullier is carried out plot by plot, in small tanks, as close as possible to the grapes and the winemaker's sensibility. Fermentations are spontaneous, driven solely by the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the berries. Extractions are adapted to each vintage, always guided by the constant pursuit of freshness and purity that defines the domaine.

The ageing takes place under wood, in barrels and demi-muids, not to impart oak flavours to the wines but to accompany them through controlled micro-oxygenation. The ageing period is around twelve months, sometimes combining wood and concrete tank, with deliberately very low sulphite additions. This artisanal and minimally interventionist approach produces lively, deep wines of great drinkability, both gourmand and taut, faithfully expressing their high-altitude terroir.

The cuvées of Domaine Gilles Troullier

The Big Gilou: the domaine's flagship and emblematic red cuvée, in IGP Côtes Catalanes, crafted from old grenache vines planted on schist. A true little explosion of infused fruit, vibrant on the palate, gourmand and deep, it ranks among the winemaker's most highly recommended cuvées.

Guérilleros: another benchmark red cuvée, revealing an intense nose of ripe red fruits, soft spices and garrigue. The attack is supple, the tannins silky, the texture juicy and balanced, underpinned by a beautiful freshness and a mineral tension characteristic of the domaine.

Ultim: an altitude syrah with an expressive nose of strawberry, blueberry and spices. The palate, silky and fresh, unfolds a delicate texture and a gourmand finish on red fruits. A precise, pure and elegant wine, aged for approximately twelve months in barrels and concrete tank, with very low sulphite additions.

Dela: a red cuvée with a luminous ruby colour, whose nose opens on red fruits, violet and a touch of spice. On the palate, the supple attack and juicy, fluid texture are accompanied by fine tannins and a fresh, fruity finish, for a wine of lightness and elegance throughout.

L'Indigène: the winemaker's historic cuvée, whose name pays tribute to the indigenous yeasts that define all his vinifications. Produced notably as a white wine in Côtes Catalanes, it is crafted through gentle vinification that respects the potential of the grapes, with ageing of several months in barrels and concrete tank, resulting in a pure and expressive wine.

L'Esprit du Temps: a red cuvée with a bold personality, in the deep, pure and vibrant register so dear to the domaine. It finely expresses the character of high-altitude terroirs and the winemaker's constant pursuit of freshness.

Boreal: a cuvée whose name evokes freshness, it embodies the straight and taut style of Domaine Gilles Troullier. Deep and energetic, it captivates with its aromatic purity and beautiful mineral tension, in keeping with the entire range.