Crémant de Limoux, Calmel & Joseph

Maison Calmel Joseph was founded in 1995 by Jérome Joseph and Laurent Calmel in Corbières. Domaine Calmel & Joseph was a former farmstead and vines were first farmed there in the 16th Century. The 200 hectare estate has an exceptional geographical location and a huge diversity in trees and plants, of exposure and of soils, meaning a variety of different crops grow well.
Twenty hectares of vines are grown as small plots amidst the garrigue, surrounding by trees that encourage wildlife such as bats, birds and insects. Alongside this, 200 olive trees are grown for olive oil and table olives, lavender is grown for soap making, 35 hectares of crops are in production, honey is made, and goats and ewes are used to graze and clear the land and naturally reduce wild fire risk.

The moment Jérome and Laurent became owners, they switched to organic farming across the estate. There is no chemical input whatsoever, so no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Instead, soils are enriched by planting beans, oats and barley during the winter and earthworms, fungi, insects and bacteria are encouraged. To combat diseases, small doses of natural elements such as copper and sulphur are used.