Jolly Ferriol
Espira d’Agly -Roussillon
Jean-Luc and Isabelle bought Mas Ferriol in Espira d’Agly in 2005 – it had been abandoned for 50 years. The Mas itself was built around 350 years ago and comprised of 25 ha in total (not all vines). After the war various people farmed the land but Jean-Luc and Isabelle brought the vines back under the control of the Mas and converted them to organic viticulture. These vines grow on soil that is made up of schist and marl and are buffeted by the region's prevailing wind, the Tramontane, which blows from the Pyrénées.
In one of the most sun-baked corners of France Isabelle and Jean-Luc make wines of delicate juiciness and purity. Jean-Luc has also continued the traditional rancio and sweet wine making of the area. The results are extraordinary.
