Col de la Dona, located in the foothills where France disappears into the majestic Pyrenees, is far cry from the ample vines of Burgundy. The almost-Martian landscape, at its most fertile, is dotted with garrigue and shrubs grown on a variety of ancient soils. Though at only a few hundred meters of elevation, the climatic shifts here are stark; brutal, cold and windy nights allow what few grapes do grow here to preserve benchmark levels of acidity for this latitude, for those who are brave enough to attempt it. It was Wilfried Valat, who discovered roughly five hectares of semi-abandoned vines here in 2007, who knew that this terroir was as perfect a place as any to conduct his experiments.

Born in Montpellier, Wilfried studied biochemistry in Dijon before working amongst the most storied sites in Burgundy, including for Méo-Camuzet in Vosne-Romanée, and for Domaine Joblot in Givry. His objective was simple: apply the techniques and artistry he learned in Burgundy to these southerly, dramatic Catalan climates. Less extraction, less new oak, more tension—the ultimate goal being balance and expression.

Today, Wilfried has amassed around thirteen hectares of vines, including his original five, planted mainly to schist soils (his favorite). The wines, like their maker, show a subtle and softer, poetic side in a climate often marked for boisterous, intense and overbearing juice. His labels—an allusion to his love of classic black-and-white films—evoke a nostalgic, pensive, and sultry sensibility. The finished product: nothing short of beautiful. A truly “new wave” approach to Catalan wines, epitomizing the belief that elegance can be birthed from even the most rugged exteriors.

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E

Country: France

Region: Côtes Catalanes

Sub-region or Appellation: Calce

Winemakers: Wilfried Valat

Viticulture: Organic

Terroir: Schist

Size: 13 ha

Instagram: @la.nouvelle.donne

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E :: La Nouvelle Vague Blanc

A stunning 50/50 blend of Macabeu and blanc de noir of Carignan, pressed direct and fermented in 500- and 600-liter barrels. Aged on lees without bâtonnage for 6 months. Embodying the "image of the terroir," white flowers and minerality abound.

Vintage: 2022
Varieties: Macabeu, Carignan Noir
Style: White Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Côtes Catalanes
Sub-Region or Appellation: Calce
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Schist
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Fermented in 500 and 600 liter barrels
Aging: On the lees for 6 months
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: 2 g/hL

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E :: La Nouvelle Vague Rouge

A spirited blend of Carignan, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Medium in body with a perfect balance of classic red fruit and a lifted texture, sure to satisfy any type of wine drinker.

Vintage: 2022
Varieties: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Côtes Catalanes
Sub-Region or Appellation: Calce
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Schist
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: In concrete vats and barriques (30%), mixed traditional fermentation and partial carbonic
Aging: On the lees for 6 months
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E :: Bossa Nova

Old meets young in this joyful blend of Carignan from three different plots, from two different years: 2016 and 2021 harvests of Carignan from Olby to the north, La Berne to the south, and La Serre to the west join to make magic in the bottle. Short macerations ranging from traditional to carbonic are followed by vinification in concrete and barrique. Aged 6 months on the lees without bâtonnage. Sultry and voluptuous.

Vintage: 2016 + 2021
Varieties: Carignan Noir
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Côtes Catalanes
Sub-Region or Appellation: Calce
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Schist
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: In concrete vats and barriques (30%), mixed traditional fermentation and partial carbonic
Aging: On the lees for 6 months
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E :: Mustango

A kiss of smoke on this equal parts blend of Grenache Blanc and blanc de noirs of Grenache Noir, sprinkled with a touch of Macabeu. Plenty of creaminess and florality while remaining tense and nervy. Hauntingly beautiful.

Vintage: 2022
Varieties: Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir, Macabeu
Style: White Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Côtes Catalanes
Sub-Region or Appellation: Calce
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Schist
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: In oak barrels
Aging: 12 months in barrel without battonage
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: 2.5 g/hL

LA NOUVELLE DON(N)E :: Vertigo

Wilfried likes to point out that this cuvée of 100% Carignan is the highest acid wine he makes. Aged 18 months in demi- muids with a maceration of up to 40 days. Exquisite restraint.

Vintage: 2022
Varieties: Carignan Noir
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Côtes Catalanes
Sub-Region or Appellation: Calce
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines: 60 years old
Soils: Schist
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Traditional maceration in concrete vats
Aging: 18 months in barrel
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added