The white cultivars from both terroirs are harvested at the same time, and thus at different ripeness levels (the earliest maturity sets the pace). This special feature provides liveliness and energy to the wine. It also brings out its soil-based nature, free of the traditional heaviness of Roussillonʼs "vins doux naturels".
The north-facing parcel lies on a dome-shaped hill at the foot of limestone cliffs, just below the Quéribus. The soil is very shallow and stony, there is no earth. The wine expresses this limestone-schists duality: chalky and tight, fresh and ethereal. The grapes, which are harvested early, bring floral and citrus aromas. Fagayra Rouge is a distinctive "vin doux naturel".
As oppose to Fagayra Rouge, the schist soils here are deep. This explains the "rooty" character of the wine and its deep, mouth-coating texture. Op. Nord is a poised "vin doux naturel", showing great balance between concentration and power.