Domaine Fond Cyprès
Corbières, Languedoc
Fond Cyprès came to life in the early 2000s when married couple Laetitia Ourliac and Rodolphe Gianesini purchased their 15ha vineyard in Escales in northern Corbières. Both shared a love of good food and better wine through their respective upbringings - Laetitia was born and raised in Corbières, while Rodolphe was born in France to Italian parents. After a few inspiring meetings with winemakers around the country, they returned to Laetitia’s home region and began their journey together as winemakers.
Currently, they cultivate a 15ha domaine of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan and a small parcel of white varieties, all planted on alluvial blue marl soils. The vines are well-situated facing north and lying in the shadow of the neighbouring forest, giving a cool respite in the evening after the blistering heat of the day. In general, the region is mostly hot and dry with sporadic rainfall, however the winds specific to Corbières provide a unique micro-climate ideal for healthy vines and slow ripening. This airflow from the northwest provides cooler, dry temperatures while the gusts off the Mediterranean brings humidity and a touch of warmth to provide an ideal winegrowing climate. A short walk from the vines, their cellar is filled with large stainless steel and concrete tanks as well as sandstone eggs and large oak foudres. The variety of different vessels for élevage allows for some flexibility depending on the vintage, with a stylistic preference for highlighting freshness and concentration of fruit.
The care and intention present in the wines is the product of Rudolphe & Laetitia’s whole family. Their son Umbert has taken a keen interest in winemaking, experimenting with dame-jeanne and macerated styles of wine. In addition to Umbert, Laeticia’s father helps with much of the vineyard work including pruning and harvest, making Fond Cyprès the product of three generations. The harmonious joining of old and new is also reflected in their style of winemaking as they adapt and experiment while always keeping the integrity and history of the region as the domaine’s backbone.
Over the last 20 years they have truly harnessed the capabilities of this special region to produce varietal wines of real elegance and finesse, as well some blends that challenge what wines of the appellation should be. The new arrivals serve as a glowing testament to their honest style of winemaking as well as the domaine’s strong connection to Corbières.
