Domaine Terres de Sable
In the heart of the Petite Camargue, near d’Aigues Mortes, the Domaine Terres de Sable estate cultivates 39 ha of vineyards amid lakes, sand dunes, horses and bulls. This landscape has inspired many painters, writers and winegrowers, including the Barbier family, who have managed the Ecocert-certified Grand Corbiere estate together with Annie Fromental since 1972. Here, the winegrowers see themselves as shapers and custodians of a landscape regarded as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. In 2002-2003, the estate launched a unique initiative called Pinède. In a major undertaking, 10 ha of pine woodland were restored according to European nature conservation guidelines, providing an important refuge for many birds. The estate supports this project with 10 cents per bottle sold. To introduce the area’s many visitors to the diverse and unique flora and fauna of its organically farmed vineyards, the Barbiers opened an educational walking trail through the vines in 2004.
The 30 ha of relatively young vineyards are densely planted with noble grape varieties. The vines are trained upwards to ensure better ripening. Any stress or weakening of the vines is avoided, and their natural defences are stimulated. The sustainability of organic cultivation, with all its economic, social and environmental implications, is an important concern at the estate. True to the motto “Leave fertile soils for my children, not lifeless concrete”, they consistently avoid synthetic products and seek the best possible biological balance between soil and vines. The fragility of this ecosystem is especially apparent in the soils. These raw mineral sandy soils developed over centuries through the natural action of wind and the force of rivers. A water-retaining clay layer protects these sensitive soils and stores rainwater. The saline groundwater prevents vine roots from growing to great depths, making particularly careful mechanical cultivation necessary.
+49 (0) 8362 9308800
