Domaine Gauby — The Benchmark of Roussillon

Located in Calce, in the Côtes Catalanes north-west of Perpignan, Domaine Gauby has become an icon of southern French viticulture. Founded by Georges Gauby and brought to international acclaim by Gérard and Lionel Gauby, the estate embodies a modern and respectful vision of Mediterranean winemaking. Renowned for its commitment to biodynamic farming, the domaine has redefined the image of Roussillon with wines that combine depth, energy, and astonishing freshness in a region often associated with power.

A Pioneer in Biodynamic Viticulture

In the early 1990s, Gérard Gauby initiated a quiet revolution by adopting organic and later biodynamic practices, eliminating all chemical inputs and reviving living soils. The work is done by hand or with horses, guided by lunar and natural cycles. This approach fosters biodiversity, strengthens the vine’s natural defenses, and yields wines of striking authenticity — pure expressions of the Calce terroir.

Wines of Terroir and Expression

Red Wines — Power with Finesse

The estate’s reds — notably Muntada, Vieilles Vignes, and Calcinaires Rouge — are crafted from vines aged 40 to over 120 years, rooted in limestone and schist soils.

• Muntada — The iconic cuvée. Predominantly Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. Deep, energetic, elegant, with black fruit, gentle spice, and a striking mineral backbone.
• Vieilles Vignes — A wine of character, generous yet refined, expressing the complexity of old vines.
• Calcinaires Rouge — More approachable, with silky texture, freshness, and natural balance.

White Wines — Purity and Mineral Tension

The domaine’s white wines embody its quest for purity and tension, offering vibrant freshness and remarkable balance.

• Calcinaires Blanc — A precise blend of Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Vermentino, and Chardonnay. Notes of white flowers, stone fruit, and a saline, mouthwatering finish.
• Vieilles Vignes Blanc & Coume Gineste — Rich, complex whites with pronounced minerality and outstanding aging potential.

Terroir & Environment

The village of Calce, perched between sea and mountains, boasts a remarkable geological mosaic: limestone, marl, schist, and clay. This diversity, combined with a Mediterranean climate moderated by the Tramontane wind, gives Gauby wines their signature freshness, tension, and aromatic depth. Vineyards are located between 150 and 300 meters above sea level, surrounded by forest, garrigue, orchards, and meadows that contribute to a thriving ecosystem.

A Visionary Estate

Today, Lionel Gauby continues his family’s philosophy: crafting vibrant, precise, and digestible wines, far removed from the over-extracted style that once defined the region. Frequently praised by international critics, the estate’s wines are among the most sought-after in southern France, rivaling the greatest Mediterranean crus.