Xavier Roger’s roots were firmly in the vineyards of Sancerre in the Loire Valley. Son of Jean-Max Roger whose 34ha domaine in the village of Bué, just south-west of town of Sancerre, is renowned for its production of high quality, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon and Pouilly Fumé. However three is a crowd, and with his brothers Thibault and Etienne working at the family domaine, Xavier set out on his own and made his own way.
Mastering the nuances of Southern French varietals and combining traditional as well as innovative winemaking techniques, Xavier Roger wines are a superb example of the quality that is now being produced in the South of France.
The Marselan grape was created in 1961 by Paul Truel, a leading ‘Ampleographer’ (Ampleography is the science of identifying, naming and classifying vines and grape varieties). Nowadays this is all done through DNA. Truel was described as man of rigor, an insatiable researcher, untiring worker, endowed with a breath-taking memory and an unparalleled observer. The idea of him working away in the lab, combined with the test tubes, flasks and pipettes often seen at wineries has given rise to the idea of Le Professeur. Carcassonne based artist – Sylvain Rouaud came up with the label as a tribute to Paul Truel.
Le Professeur is a dark and intense ruby with purple hues in the glass. The nose is perfectly spiced with hints of black pepper and violet with aromas of blackberry and cassis. This wine offers a rich and dense mouth feel, followed by concentrated flavours. The finish is long and juicy with subtle tannins.
