Domaine de Querelle, a Hachette award-winning winegrower in the Languedoc region

The name “Querelle” might suggest the lively fruitiness and freshness of the estate's red wines, but its true origin is different. The name Domaine de Querelle comes from the Occitan word “Carais,” which means “stony places.” Indeed, it is on fifteen hectares of stony terraces, south of Béziers on the Mediterranean coast, that the estate’s wines are born.

Who runs the estate today?

Michel Abel: A Passionate and Methodical Winemaker

Part of a four-generation winemaking family, this estate is currently managed by Michel Abel. Since 1999, he has earned the estate true recognition, including a silver medal at the Independent Winemakers' competition. As a faithful heir to Lucien and Léon Abel, his father and grandfather, he works his vines and produces cuvées frequently selected by the Hachette Guide since 2003. His wines are protected designation of origin (PDO) wines, crafted to be fruity, structured, and long on the palate. His method? A meticulous approach with the help of the estate's oenologist.

What grape varieties and wines does the estate produce?

Fruity and Gourmet Languedoc Wines

On truly stony soils covered with gravel and pebbles, Michel Abel cultivates Muscat petit grain, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Marselan. These grape varieties produce fruity red, white, and rosé wines that are enjoyed for their fresh fruitiness in their youth.

The estate's flagship cuvée, the renowned “Soumestre,” is primarily composed of Syrah and Grenache. Depending on the vintage, it may also include other grape varieties such as Mourvèdre, to deliver the estate's signature aromatic profile. It features flavors of black and red fruits, is round and gourmet, with fine tannins that lead to a persistent note of undergrowth on the finish.

The white wines offer a powerful and exotic aroma, ideal for pairing with appetizers, salads, or fish.

Discover the Languedoc wines through this esteemed estate without further delay.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de Querelle

Where is Domaine de Querelle located?

The vines cover around fifteen hectares of pebble-strewn terraces beside the Mediterranean, just south of Béziers in the Languedoc.

What does the name Querelle mean?

Despite the word, it has nothing to do with a quarrel. It comes from Occitan and points to stony ground scattered with gravel and rounded pebbles.

Which grape varieties does Michel Abel grow?

The estate brings together seven varieties: Muscat petit grain, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Marselan, split across reds, whites and rosés.

What is the Soumestre cuvée?

It is the estate's flagship wine, led by Syrah and Grenache. The palate is round, mixing black and red fruit with fine tannins and a lingering woodland note on the finish.

Since when has the estate been recognised by the Hachette guide?

Its cuvées have appeared regularly in the Hachette guide from 2003. Earlier, in 1999, the domaine won a silver medal among independent winegrowers.