Julie Brosselin and Ivo Ferreira are the winemakers behind Les Cigales dans la Fourmilière, meaning “the cicadas in the anthill” — a project born from love, shared experience and a commitment to organic viticulture and low-intervention winemaking. Nestled in the hills of Montpeyroux, in the Languedoc region of southern France, just 30 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, their estate is shaped by the wild landscapes and distinctive terroir of the Larzac foothills.

Their journey began in 2016, when Julie and Ivo combined their knowledge and resources to cultivate four hectares of organic vineyards. Over time, they expanded the estate to ten hectares, recovering remote vineyard parcels scattered throughout the Languedoc hinterland. Julie brings experience from Le Petit Domaine, while Portuguese-born Ivo has worked alongside respected natural winemakers, including Jean-Marc Brignot and Château Le Puy. Together, they champion a thoughtful approach to organic farming, working closely with the land to produce wines that express their origins with authenticity and precision.

The vineyards thrive on the arid, stony slopes of the Larzac, part of the Massif Central. Despite the Mediterranean climate, significant annual rainfall and summer thunderstorms help replenish springs and groundwater, sustaining the vines through periods of drought. These challenging growing conditions, combined with rocky soils and the influence of the surrounding landscape, contribute to wines with freshness, structure and a distinctive sense of place.

Organic vineyard management and minimal-intervention winemaking sit at the heart of the estate. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, allowing the natural character of the fruit and vineyard to shine. The wines mature in large, old barrels, with no fining or filtration and minimal sulphur additions, used only when necessary. This restrained approach preserves texture, energy and individuality while allowing each cuvée to reflect the character of its vintage and terroir.

Their skin-contact whites, are particularly compelling, combining radiant fruit with an expressive, textural profile. Notes of dried herbs, candied citrus, stone fruit and subtle spice unfold across the palate, while extended skin maceration brings gentle tannic structure and a long, vibrant finish. The reds, made from Grenache, Syrah and other regional varieties, are equally distinctive, balancing Mediterranean warmth with earthy minerality and freshness.

Les Cigales dans la Fourmilière is a compelling expression of organic Languedoc wine, natural winemaking and terroir-driven viticulture. Through careful farming, hand-harvesting and a light touch in the cellar, Julie and Ivo craft characterful wines that capture the untamed beauty of the Larzac foothills — honest, expressive and deeply connected to the land.