Domaine Pech Rome : pharmacist's wines

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.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How was Domaine Pech Rome born, and what shaped its terroir?

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.

What are the estate's newest cuvées and its plans for the future?

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…

Discover the wines of Domaine Pech Rome directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine Pech Rome

Where is Domaine Pech Rome located?

The estate sits in the village of Neffiès, within the Pézenas appellation. Its vines cover slopes that overlook the Hérault valley and reach the edge of Faugères, in the Languedoc.

What does the name Pech Rome mean?

"Pech" means "hill" in Occitan. The name recalls the village mound where a Roman villa once stood, which explains its second half.

Which grape varieties grow at Domaine Pech Rome?

Four red varieties are matched to the soils: Syrah on the pebbles, Mourvèdre on basalt, Grenache on clay-limestone and Carignan on limestone. A Chardonnay rounds out the range for the sparkling wine.

Does Domaine Pech Rome make a sparkling wine?

Yes. Since 2016 the estate has produced a sparkling cuvée from Chardonnay lifted with a touch of Viognier. Pascal Blondel likens it to Prosecco for its light, summery style.

Why is Pascal Blondel called a pharmacist winemaker?

Before taking over a property in 2001, he worked as a pharmacist and earned the Montpellier enology degree. His wife Mary, also a pharmacist, teaches chemistry there to future enologists.