Domaine des Lauriers Rolle Vermentino 23

At the AWM, over the last ten years, we've pivoted hard towards prioritizing small, independent, and particularly locally rooted importers and distributors. When the wine world recalibrated in the post-COVID years, we doubled down on our local and regional partnerships. In these currently "interesting times," I feel it's even more critical to focus on all of our local and regionally-based partners to keep our shelves -- and spirits- well-stocked.

With that in mind, I was particularly pleased to reboot our partnership with Asheville-based importer Jason Tippetts, owner of Barrique Imports. Jason originally launched Barrique Imports in the Triangle, and after spending a few years on the West Coast, he recently put down roots right here in Asheville. 

We've known Jason for years, and his superpower has always been in uncovering soulful, quality-driven French wines from under-the-radar producers who are off the beaten path. One of our favorite gems from Jason's portfolio is Domaine des Lauriers. lovely estate tucked away in the village of Castelnau de Guers, in the Hérault Department. With its proximity to the Etang de Thau lagoon, vineyards here enjoy a coastal Mediterranean climate that helps shape the estate's fresh, expressive whites.

Run by Marc Cabrol and happily assisted by his young sons, Domaine des Lauriers is a model of generational viticultural stewardship and highlights a minimalist approach in the cellar. The wines lean beautifully into transparency, clarity, and are a glorious reflection of the region's terroir.

Vermentino (known locally as Rolle) takes center stage here. While often linked to Italy's Liguria or Sardinia, Rolle flourishes in southern France's sunlit vineyards and sea-kissed slopes of the Med. This is particularly true with Domaine des Lauriers, and the estate's whites exude the unmistakable maritime vibrancy of the region.

In your glass, aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and a whisper of sea spray treat the senses. The palate carries the coastal vibe forward, balancing brightness with soft fruit and floral tones that dance around a mineral backbone. It's clean, vivid, and unquestionably Mediterranean.

Locals in the South of France love to pair this zippy Vermentino with fresh oysters or mussels from the Etang de Thau, grilled sea bass, and simple yet flavorful Mediterranean vegetable dishes drizzled with local olive oil. For more imaginative culinary adventures, consider pairing with sushi or sashimi, spicy Thai green curry, or a tangy ceviche. Needless to say, it's also a go-to thirst-quencher that'll temper the heat of a summer day.