Roussillon is a rugged region that demands a thoughtful, long-term approach to farming. Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have mapped their vineyards in detail through extensive study of the soil and subsoil. This understanding allows them to tailor their cultivation methods to each site and to the style of each wine they want to produce, while preserving the distinct character of each vineyard.
The estate uses sustainable practices, including regenerative farming, water conservation, and early harvesting to maintain freshness. The vineyards are located in the stony soils of the Têt Valley, where differences in vine age, vineyard sites, and trellising add variety to the fruit.
Roussillon's 2024 vintage was a low-yielding, challenging year marked by drought, a cooler and wetter spring, and a long dry fall. Growers who were able to navigate the conditions successfully, grew fruit that combined the region's natural ripeness (what smells and tastes like tropical fruit, ripe peach and apricot notes) with bright acidity (lemon, apple). Because Domaine Lafage deliberately harvests early in order to preserve freshness, their 2024 Novellum Chardonnay shows the grape’s full breadth within a single wine.
Speaking of harvest, the grapes were gently macerated at cool temperatures before fermentation. 30% of the wine was aged in Burgundy barrels, while the remaining 70% rested on Viognier lees in stainless steel tanks. This technique added texture, weight, and aromatic complexity without overpowering the wine with heavy oak flavours. The result is a fresh, textured Chardonnay with plenty of fruit and depth, while still showing the character of the Roussillon region.
Tasting Note
Juicy peach, pear and lemon on the floods into a fragrant palate of ripe stone fruit, honeysuckle and a hint of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied and generously textured, this mouth-filling style is kept lively thanks to its bright acidity. A subtle creamy texture carries through to a clean, lingering mineral-noted finish.
Food Pairing
Domaine Lafage’s 2024 Novellum Chardonnay is calling out for a roast chicken served with a salad featuring Okanagan apples, fennel and toasted hazelnut. Juicy apple and fennel provide freshness, whereas the hazelnut leans into the wine’s creamy texture. Bringing it all together is the chicken’s savoury richness. This is exactly the kind of pairing we feel like having when the weather starts turning cooler.