THE WINE
A perfect table wine - very drinkable and versatile.  Best served lightly chilled.  Truly a wine to enjoy on hot summer days whilst waiting on friends.
 
2025 was as close to perfect a season for Copains as it can get according to Lori! 
 
The Syrah is pressed directly, the other varieties are all added to the tank of Syrah juice as whole bunches for a 14 day infusion then pressed to tank for 6 months ageing before bottling.
 
Copains comes from several small parcels around the village of Valliguières, an area historically shaped by its natural spring (the “fountain valley”). The vineyards sit close to one another along this small water source, on soils that mix limestone, sand and clay.  These are old sites, with vines averaging around 70 years, giving fruit with both freshness and depth - plenty of energy, bright acidity and a naturally expressive, juicy character.
 
The blend is always the same:
2 parcels of old Grenache
1 parcel of old Carignan
1 parcel of young Syrah
1 parcel of 30-year-old Cinsault
 
THE PEOPLE
Domaine du Petit Oratoire, led by young winemaker Lori Haon, is situated in Valliguières, Gard, bordering the Southern Rhône. Initially looking for a small plot of around 3ha, Loris father found 15ha for sale on ebay and made the bid.  These plots turned out to host a diverse array of grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Viognier, and Clairette. The vineyards are managed organically, with biodynamic practices and treatments using essential oils and herbal mixtures to promote vine health. In the cellar, Lori employs low-intervention techniques, fermenting grapes in concrete vats without fining, filtration, or added sulfur, resulting in wines that are vibrant, fresh, and expressive of their terroir. 
 
THE PLACE
Valliguières, a tranquil village nestled in the Gard region of the Southern Rhône, lies just northwest of Avignon. While it may not boast the fame of neighboring appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Tavel, Valliguières is home to a burgeoning natural wine scene that emphasizes organic and biodynamic practices. The area's vineyards benefit from diverse terroirs, including sandy soils with limestone bedrock and the rare 'lauzes blanches'—flat white stones that aid in heat retention and drainage. This unique combination of soils and microclimates allows for the cultivation of a variety of grape types, resulting in wines that are both expressive and reflective of their environment. Winemakers here are committed to minimal intervention, producing vibrant wines that capture the essence of their terroir.