Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE PECH ROME : PHARMACIST'S WINES

"From Pharmaceutical Chemistry to Enology: Pascal's Journey"

From chemistry to wine, sometimes the transition is just a step away. Former pharmacist Pascal traded medicines for grapes. “I studied at the University of Montpellier, which also offers a degree in enology. This inspired me to return and learn the trade,” Pascal explains. His wife Mary, originally from Ireland, shares his passions: also a pharmacist, she teaches chemistry to future enologists at the University of Montpellier.

Domaine Pech Rome: A Grape Variety for Each Type of Soil

In 2001, the couple purchased a vineyard property in the heart of the village of Neffiès, marking the birth of Domaine Pech Rome. “Since Mary works full-time, we live in Montpellier. Some people live in the countryside and work in the city, but I do the opposite!” Pascal notes with amusement.

The Domaine Pech Rome vineyard spans 12 hectares, with 60% in Pézenas and 40% in Languedoc. The estate is named after the hill in the village ("pech" meaning "hill" in Occitan), where a Roman villa once stood. Located on the slopes at 150 meters altitude above the Hérault Valley and at the border of the Faugères appellation, Domaine Pech Rome benefits from a wide variety of soils.

Each soil type corresponds to a grape variety: Villafranchian pebbles for Syrah, basalt for Mourvèdre, clay-limestone for Grenache, and limestone for Carignan. “These characteristics specific to each grape variety create a different aromatic profile for each of our wines. Syrah-based wines are elegant and mineral, while Carignan is more robust, Grenache is fruity, and Mourvèdre is fuller-bodied,” Pascal explains.

Starred Cuvées in the Guide Hachette des Vins

The year 2016 saw the creation of a new sparkling wine cuvée: a first for Domaine Pech Rome. “Made from Chardonnay with a hint of Viognier, this cuvée we released this summer is similar to Prosecco, an Italian wine that’s popular at this time of year,” Pascal highlights. This new addition complements the already diverse range of Domaine Pech Rome, several of which have been awarded a star in the Guide Hachette des Vins. As for wine tourism, Pascal plans to expand his cellar in the coming years: “The long-term idea is to set up a tasting room for visitors and possibly even a guesthouse…”