In September 2013, the large Domaine de la Ville, near Carla de Roquefort, was purchased by Steve Malling. The Estate was a large apple farm, but in a dilapidated state with much in need of repair for years. The estate had over 500 m2 of outbuildings in the form of barns and sheds. Five years later, the main house is habitable and permanently occupied by Steve and his wife Célia.
The end of the barn has a large interior space that is ideal for a small French distiller to work in, and this space is currently being renovated by a local craftsman. The new still will be a state-of-the-art computer-controlled still made in the Netherlands. This will give us the opportunity to produce different spirits such as French Gin, Vodka and Brandy from Chateu Longpré grapes.
The estate includes a vast forest where you can find plenty of wild plants to flavour the gin and vodka. The Ariège is famous for its many organic farms, which produce a variety of fruit and herbs that can be bought direct from the grower. We have set up a greenhouse to grow other botanicals so that the alcohol produced is as natural and local as possible.
High-quality French gin and French vodka have arrived in Ariège!
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