In Catalan, Pedres Blanques means “white rocks” and the vineyard takes its name from a granite outcrop located between three and a half hectares of vineyards. Rié and Hirofumi Shoji have their estates in the hills above the seaside town of Collioure, in Banyuls sur Mer.
There is a palpable energy in this remote and breathtakingly beautiful place, where fifty-year-old vines grow spontaneously on a complex mix of granite and shale. At about 350 meters above sea level, this is one of the highest sites in the region and, the altitude, together with the stiff Mediterranean winds, gives their wines great freshness.
Almost all the vines are Grenache Noir, although recently Hirofumi and Rié planted some local varieties, donated to them by the legendary Alain Castex. Shoji works the vines organically and, due to the rugged landscape, almost everything is done by hand. Ventilation and lack of rain allow them to completely avoid the use of copper, and sulfur is used sparingly.
In the cellar their purpose is simply to reveal the potential of this terroir. Wines full of feeling, of great balance, vivacity and finesse.