A rising estate: the domaine de l'Horizon!

Coming straight from Germany, the highly promising Thomas Theibert is the driving force behind the much talked-about production of the Domaine de l'Horizon, located in the Languedoc-Roussillon in Calce.

A young yet experienced winemaker, he honed his craft in Germany at the estates of Franz Keller and Wörwag before going on to work at numerous vineyards around the world (Italy, Austria, South Africa… and even in the Bordeaux region at Château Canon la Gaffelière in the Saint-Émilion appellation). He later returned to his home region and became manager of the domaine de Manincor before finally spreading his wings… It was in 2006 that he decided to take on the running of this domaine de 15 ha at the foot of the Pyrenees. A disciple of Gérard Gauby, his wines quickly made their mark and soon found their own distinct expression: the whites made from Maccabeu, Grenache Gris and Muscat à Petits Grains (4, 2 and 2 hectares respectively), and the reds made from Carignan (4.5 ha), Grenache Noir (2 ha) and Syrah (0.5 ha). The vines, averaging 65 years of age and planted on a mix of limestone, marl and schist, were initially farmed organically. But Thomas Theibert did not stop there in his pursuit of naturalness, converting to biodynamic farming as early as 2008. This entirely natural approach is also reflected in the cellar, where indigenous yeasts are used along with infusion rather than extraction. Ageing averages one year and takes place in the renowned foudres of the prestigious Stockinger cooperage, with which he had already worked previously. The wines of the domaine de l'horizon, under the IGP Coteaux du Languedoc appellation, display a fine and fruity profile. Remarkably fresh — both in the reds and the whites — this estate stands in sharp contrast to the popular notion that associates Languedoc wines with alcohol and over-ripeness. Strongly praised by critics and embraced by enthusiasts, their yields are incredibly low — comparable to those of Château d'Yquem, Domaine Leroy or Romanée Conti… indeed, they are estimated at between 10 and 15 hl/ha, three to four times less than a Bordeaux grand cru. Not to be missed!