It was in 1998 that Elian Da Ros, a good friend of Nady Foucault, returned to the Côtes du Marmandais to take over the running of his father’s 5ha vineyard, having spent 5 years working at the iconic Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Alsace. Since then, Elian no longer delivers the grapes to the local coop and has ensured that Marmandais is properly on the quality wine map, due to his hard work and determination.

Located at Cocumont, on the right bank of the River Garonne, the 22 hectares of vines are planted on hillsides with a mixture of gravelly clay, chalk soils. The estate has been certified organic since 2000 and biodynamic since 2002. Following two small harvests, since 1997 Elian has been buying in a small amount of quality fruit from a friend’s parcel of vines superbly sited on gravel scree/ clay/ chalk terroir. This fruit is not certified organic and is set aside for the ‘Le Vin est une Fête’ cuvée alone. Today, Elian is regarded as a pioneer for the region, raising the flag for wines of distinction. Working with absolute attention to detail throughout the year and across all disciplines, as well as with respect for his vines, his land and his fruit, Elian can feel justly proud of his achievements. Following in his footsteps, a small band of independent vignerons in the appellation now produce and bottle wine under their own estate labels also.