Front reporter: Zhang Yuhuizi Part of the photo: Yang Wenke
In the starry sky of France wines, the Roussillon appellation is a unique and dazzling pearl. Not only does it have a rich history and unique terroir, but it also produces wines of exceptional quality. Eric ARACIL, General Manager of Roussillon Wine Export in France, is on a mission to convey the charm of Roussillon wines to the world. Talk to Eric ARACIL to learn more about his relationship with Roussillon wines, his expertise and experience. Through the eyes of Eric ARACIL, discover the unique charm of the Roussillon appellation and Roussillon wines.
The Roussillon appellation – a wine paradise
The Roussillon region, a land covered with natural red mineral sand, is bright and colorful, blending France elegance and passion. It's not only a source of inspiration for artists, it's also a haven for wine. Roussillon is blessed with unique terroirs. With a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate and 2,531 hours of sunshine a year, it is the sunniest region in France. The abundant sunshine provides an ideal environment for the grapes to grow, ensuring optimal conditions for the sweetness of the wines and establishing its status as a land of naturally sweet wines.
Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, the appellation is high and rugged, 80% of which is located on slopes at an altitude of 600 meters. The abundance of soil types is a hallmark of Roussillon, with red gneiss bringing complex flavours of musk, rosemary, lavender and juniper berries; The grey flake stone gives the wine a fruity, mellow, sweet and supple aroma; The black rock schist gives the wine a hint of black pepper and smoky flavours. In addition, the nearby sea breeze adds salt to the soil, the fresh acidity of the seaweed, and the light taste. These unique soil and climatic conditions combine to create the unique flavor of Roussillon wines.
The Roussillon region has fifteen grape varieties, thirteen AOCs with different characteristics, and a wide range of Grand Cru products. The average yield here is limited to only 31 litres per hectare, which is well below the average unit yield in France, guaranteeing the high quality of the grapes. At present, the Roussillon region has been certified as a Grand Cru of the region, such as Collioure, Cotés du Roussillon and Cotés du Roussillon Villages. In 1930, naturally sweet wines (VDN) were added to the wine classification system and became the main force of Grand Cru wines in the region. Winegrowers are also developing new high-quality varieties, reinvigorating the future of Roussillon wines.
A harmonious and balanced Roussillon wine
Roussillon wines are unique in the wine world with their unique qualities and characteristics. Roussillon wines are very harmonious when drunk both young and old. This is due to its unique terroir and exquisite brewing techniques. The complex flavours of the grapes due to the different soil types are perfectly combined during the vinification process, resulting in a balanced and wonderful mouthfeel. This harmony is one of the hallmarks of Roussillon wines and one of the reasons why they are so popular in the market.
Roussillon is the largest producer of natural sweet wines in France, and its natural sweet wines are known as "liquid gold". Thanks to the complex vinification process, the natural sweet wine retains its all-natural sugar content without any additives. Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes Ambres are among the star brands of natural sweet wines.
Asians are well suited to this naturally sweet wine with a round, sweet, fruity flavor and a sweet but not greasy taste. It contains enough organic acids and natural sugars, making it a must-see. The unique charm of this naturally sweet wine makes it highly competitive in the international market.
Compared with other production areas, Roussillon's products have a higher cost performance. Despite the high quality of the grapes and the exquisite winemaking process, the price of Roussillon wine is relatively reasonable, which makes this fine wine from France accessible to more consumers. This cost-effective feature has also won more opportunities for Roussillon wines in the market.
The Wine Route by Eric ARACIL
Eric ARACIL was born into a family of winemakers in the Roussillon appellation, and his life was closely linked to wine. Eric ARACIL was born into a wine-growing family and has lived in Roussillon ever since. Eric grew up on a vineyard and helped out in the vineyard and cellar from an early age. Until graduating from high school, he spent his time enjoying wine in the bright sunshine of Roussillon. After that, he studied biology, agronomy and oenology, and gained a broader and more thorough understanding of wine. This systematic study laid a solid theoretical foundation for his future professional development in the wine industry.
At the age of 21, Eric interned at the prestigious Fourquet Laboratory as a wine analyst and oenological consultant. During his internship, he demonstrated a keen insight into wine composition analysis and winemaking processes, which provided a valuable reference for the laboratory's research work. In the same year, he was faced with an important choice: whether to return to his own winery after graduation or to work and study in a more difficult company. He chose the latter because he still had too much curiosity about wine. This decision reflects his determination and courage to explore the wine industry in depth.
Since then, Eric ARACIL has ventured into almost all the wine industry. He works as an analyst in the laboratory, providing a scientific basis for winemaking and quality control through accurate analysis of the chemical composition and quality indicators of wine. Selling alcohol in supermarkets, he has an in-depth understanding of consumers' purchasing psychology and market demand, and has accumulated rich marketing experience. Entering the school as a guest wine teacher, he passed on his professional knowledge to his students and cultivated a group of talents interested in wine; At the same time, he is deeply involved in the market, and is responsible for the communication and promotion of Roussillon wines, he has developed and implemented a series of effective marketing strategies, which have increased the popularity and market share of Roussillon wines. Despite his attempts in various roles, his main focus is on the production, cultivation and vinification of grapes, which reflects his importance on the source of wine quality and respect for traditional winemaking techniques.
Today, Eric has 20 years of experience in wine export, and more than 30 years of experience in everything related to vines and wines. He uses this expertise every day for the benefit of Roussillon's businesses and also shares it with professionals and wine-loving consumers in public speaking. Growing up in wine, he has a deep love and dedication to wine, and his professionalism and rich experience in the wine industry are remarkable.
A low-key master sommelier
Eric has amazing tasting ability and professionalism, but he is extremely low-key. He was a Master of Sommiler (MS), a title that was little known for a long time. It wasn't until 2016 that he officially earned the title of MS Master.
Eric ARACIL's journey to becoming a Master Sommelier is legendary. The Guild of Master Sommeliers invited him to take the exam as he was already highly recognized for his expertise in the field of wine. With more than 30 years of accumulation, he passed the MS exam with ease. His keen sense of smell and taste allows him to accurately identify key information such as the variety, origin, vintage and winemaking process of a wine, which is one of the best in the wine industry.
However, for Eric ARACIL, MS is just a title, and he values more for the love of wine and the promotion of Roussillon wines. He believes that as an export manager, this title is not necessary, just an additional item, so there is no need to hype it. This attitude reflects his pure love for the wine industry and his confidence in his own professional competence.
When asked about the development of Roussillon wines in China, Eric ARACIL believes that there are both opportunities and challenges. He analyzed that the Chinese market is huge and developing rapidly, and some people have become accustomed to enjoying wine, which provides a good basis for the promotion of Roussillon wine. Roussillon wines can be perfectly paired with many Chinese cuisines, which also provides favorable conditions for its expansion in the Chinese market. In addition, the increasing demand for high-quality wines from Chinese consumers also provides new opportunities for the development of Roussillon wines in the Chinese market. But at the same time, we should also understand that wine is not an inherent culture in China, and there are many challenges in developing the Chinese market. First of all, it is necessary to carry out training and guidance, and carry out a series of promotion and publicity activities, and gradually form a wine culture and consumption atmosphere. At the same time, it is also necessary to have a professional sommelier or sommelier to make introductions.
Eric ARACIL himself is actively involved in the promotion of Roussillon wines in China. He frequently participates in various wine exhibitions held in China, such as the China International Food and Beverage Exhibition (SIAL) in Shanghai and the Top WINE China Wine Expo in Beijing, giving Chinese wine lovers the opportunity to taste Roussillon's fine wines. He also had an in-depth understanding of Chinese cuisine and compiled a guide to the pairing of Roussillon wines with Chinese cuisine, which provided strong support for the promotion of Roussillon wines in China. His professional performance and positive attitude in the promotion of the Chinese market reflect his in-depth understanding of the wine industry and his strong confidence in Roussillon wines. Pay attention to the whole industry, provide scientific research and technological achievements, help growers improve product quality, and help wine merchants to promote. Through effective organization and leadership, the various forces are brought together to promote Roussillon wines.
In Eric ARACIL's eyes, Roussillon wine is the love of his life, and he continues to shoulder the mission of promoting Roussillon wine, so that more people can know and love this wine from the Roussillon region of France. Whether it is the unique terroir of the Roussillon appellation, or Eric ARACIL's dedication and love for wine, as well as the high quality and unique charm of Roussillon wine, we believe that Roussillon wines will have a broader future in the Chinese market and even the global market.
Eric Aracil MS
Master of Wine, Historian, Independent Wine Critic,
Expert in Eastern Mediterranean and rosé wines, judge of several international wine competitions