An estate on a human scale
Domaine Rotier is run by Alain Rotier and Francis Marre. The two bothers-in-law share the responsabilities in this family-owned estate: Francis looks after the vines and the management while Alain's role is that of winemaker and sales manager.
In Gaillac they are helped by an efficient team: 6 persons working in the vineyard (35ha), in the cellar (the alchemical spot) and at the office (customers’ relationship and sales). In France, a network of Seasonal workers are taken on when necessary (harvest, etc.). A network of agents and wholesalers ensure sales to a professional clientele, while export sales are handled by the team of Accents du Sud-Ouest, who also work with 7 other South West winemakers, all sharing the same vision of quality wine.
Some figures:
- Surface : 35 hectares, of which
- Reds - 25 ha
- Whites - 10 ha
- Average age of the vines: 20 years old
- Volume produced: 1200 à 1500 hl / yr
- Bottle: 170 000 / yr of which:
- 15 % export professional clientele
- 30 % private (individuals)
- 55 % French professional clientele
Our history
Long ago
The Petit Nareye, which constitutes most of Domaine Rotier, has been known to man for a very long time. Several tools made from quartz dating from the Paleolithic Age (150 to 200 000 years ago) have been found there. Vine growing in the Gaillac area dates back to the 1st century B.C. In the 12th century, a cooper from the nearby village of Lagrave, led an uprising against the troops of Simon de Montfort, during the Albigeois crusades. There was thus a fair chance that there were already vines on Domaine Rotier at this time. Later again, in the early 19th century, the land and the vines that make up the estate today were given away as a dowry.
...and nowadays
Gérard et Michèle Rotier, Alains parents, bought the estate in 1975 and set about converting and developing the failing vineyards.
In 1985, Alain got involved in running the estate with his parents: they decided to leave the co-op winery where the grapes were brought and set up their own winery. From that day on, particular attention was paid to organically working and maintaining the soil.
This was just the beginning of many improvements to come.
Some important dates:
- 1987 : first Lettre aux amis du Domaine.
- 1989 : the vines are thinned for the first time, and the red and dry white Renaissance cuvées are born .
- 1990 : Extension added to the cellars.
- 1993 : De-stemming becomes widespread
- 1994 : first cuvée of sweet white Renaissance .
- 1997 : Francis Marre joins his brother-in-law Alain, thus enabling Gérard and Michèle Rotier to gradually retire from the estate.
- 1999 : nAnother extension is added to the winery, and an air conditioning system is added to the maturing and storage cellars; its also the first year that 100% Gaillac wines are produced on the estate.
- 2001 : Decision to implement high density planting (6170 instead of 4000 plants/ha).
- 2005 : Implementation of a more ecological approach to viticulture, in the hope of growing grapes and making wines that are more natural and more authentic.
The story is far from over, in fact its only the beginning, a Renaissance...
