Despite the obstacles, this couple of winegrowers in Cournonsec converted to organic, out of conviction

Dominique Robert et Agnès Roquefeuil multiplient les projets pour satisfaire leurs clients. Midi Libre – C. S.

Dominique Robert et sa compagne Agnès Roquefeuil vont tenir leur premier stand à Millésime Bio qui se tient au Parc Expos de Montpellier jusqu'au 31 janvier. Ils racontent leur conversion au bio. 

This will be their first participation in Millésime Bio. After three years of converting their vineyard from Croix Saint-Julien to Cournonsec, Dominique Robert and his partner Agnès Roquefeuil will present their first bottles with the famous label on their stand at the show which is being held at the Parc Expos until # 39;as of January 31.

Why choose organic ? By "personal conviction" first. "We live among the vineyards. We wanted to stop the products for us, our children, our customers", explains the couple. Then by economic realism. The label offers commercial opportunities even if they admit to having arrived at the worst time. After years of growth, organic consumption has declined with the inflation crisis. Well obliged to adapt. 

Sixth generation of winegrowers in Cournonsec

Sixth generation of winegrowers in Cournonsec, Dominique Robert knows that he will also perhaps be the last. "I don't want my children to take over. It hurts me to say that. Before there was one devastating year per generation. In seven years, I have known three. Frost, mildew then the heatwave on June 28, 2019. We had never seen that." Not to mention the omnipresent drought. Climatic hazards have a direct impact on production. Hence the need to transform the economic model. From bulk to cooperative, they moved to bottled sales. "Ten years ago the trade bought bulk 20% more expensive than today." And yet the charges have increased. Never mind. "We only make wine what we can sell."The rest is sold to the cooperative cellar. But again, disappointment. "We switched to organic but we are told that we will be paid the same price as conventional", notes Agnès.&amp ;nbsp;

Their bottles are returned

The couple, who got involved in events with their tavern every Thursday in the summer, are not discouraged. They were also among the first to get involved with Oc Consignes, in Lattes. "Our customers can return our bottles to collection points. They are then washed and put back into circulation." A virtuous circle from which they have not yet removed the fruits by buying back their own bottles cheaper."The implementation is gradual. We also had to change our glues and labels to adapt to the specifications." 

Additional administrative layers

In the vineyard too, the work is more important, especially when weeding. But Robert remains optimistic: "The organic sector has evolved, there are more solutions." The downside: "This added administrative layers. It would be better to spend this time looking for clients." An administrative overload denounced by the entire profession. The winegrower demonstrated on January 26 in front of the prefecture. "The issues are so complex that we cannot resolve them in three days." 

The La Croix Saint-Julien estate produces seven vintages (7 to 15 euros) in red, white and rosé in IGP Pays d'Hérault Colline de la Moure. Locality La Bruyère, Cournonsec.  I subscribe to read more