A unique terroir

In the quest for the ideal combination of grape variety and terroir, an analysis of the landscape resulted in the determination of three terroir profiles: coastal, hills and mountains. In each of these three zones, our selected plots have been subdivided according to criteria that are essential for the future blends. The vines are classified according to their organoleptic potential: aroma, flavour, texture and structure. This means of classification offers infinite blending possibilities to create a unique style based on elegance and freshness. 






Montaneous winegrowing area


Schistous flagstone, white limestones ridges 

Here, in the westernmost part of the region, can be found the most ancient parent rock, dating back to the Palaeozoic era and even earlier. The schist, consisting of highly compressed ancient clays, forms thin sheets of flagstone. The landscape is dominated by magnificent white limestone ridges, also dating back to the Palaeozoic era.



Location

At the foot of the Cévennes mountains, the Montagne Noire, in the foothills of the Massif Central highlands to the east, in the upper Aude valley and on the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the mountainous winegrowing area dominates the Mediterranean Arc at altitudes of between 250 and 400 metres, and is relatively well protected from the wind. 

 

Geology

Limestone, dolomite and marl dating back to the Mesozoic era

Sandstone and clay dating back to the Mesozoic era

Schist dating back to the Palaeozoic age

Volcanic rock dating back to the Quaternary era

 

Cool, damp climate

Precipitation: 800 – 1000 mm

Altitude: 250- 400 m

Winds: cold, dry mistral – cold, dry tramontane (moderate influence)

 

Viticulture

Planting density: between 4,000 and 5,000 vines/ha

Age of the vines: between 20 and 50 years

Pruning: maximum 6 spurs with 1 to 2 buds

Yields: between 35 and 50 hl/ha

 

Style : elegant, sophisticated wines

Elegance, power, and pure fruit flavours
These wines are all finesse and freshness. Elegant and complex, this terroir allows the pureness of the fruit to shine through underpinned by floral notes. Good balance between powerful aromas and flavours and minerality.





Hilly wine growing area


Granitic rock, sandstone, basalt and marl dating back to the early Jurassic period

The rock dates back to the Secondary and first half of the Tertiary era while the conglomerates are from the Upper Cretaceous period. The volcanic rocks date back to the same part of the early Jurassic period as the dinosaurs.
Rounded stones, from very old alluvium, are part of the landscape.

Location

Located inland, the vines covering this hilly terroir grow in the scrubland. They are subjected to a harsh climate consisting of hot, dry days and cool nights. They are also at the mercy of the strong mistral (in the north) and tramontane (in the west) winds.

Geology

Limestone, clay

Sandstone & conglomerates

Ancient alluvial terraces dating back to the Tertiary era

Marl & sand containing fossilized oysters dating back to the Tertiary era

Mild, subhumide climate

Precipitation: 600 – 800 mm

Altitude:  50 – 250 m

Prevailing winds: the cold, dry mistral and tramontane (strong influence)

Viticulture

Planting density: between 4,000 and 5,000 vines/ha

Age of the vines: between 20 and 40 years

Pruning: 8-9 buds per vine stock maximum

Yields: between 50 and 60 hl/ha

Style : full-bodied, spicy wines

Concentration, ripe fruit, fullness

Fleshy, generous wines that feature ripe fruit flavours and spicy notes along with remarkable length on the palate.






Coastal winegrowing area


White limestone overlying alluvium and fossilized oysters, clayey soil 

The rocks are considered to be young, those dating back to the second half of the Tertiary era are covered by large expanses of alluvium and clay. 

Location

The coastal landscape stretches 200 km from east to west in a 15-km wide strip. This immense maritime facade faces due south and is swept by sea breezes. The ground is flat and composed of recent alluvium, young, fertile silt, and rounded stones.

Geology
Alluvial sediments from the Hérault & Aude rivers that date back to the Quaternary era.
Cretaceous and Jurassic limestone

Dry climate, both hot and cool
Precipitation: 400 – 600 mm
Altitude: 0 – 50 m
Wind: gentle, humid sea breezes (south/southeast zone) and the cold, dry strong tramontane (west/northwest zone) or mistral (east/northeast zone) winds.

Viticulture

Planting density: between 3,500 and 4,500 vines/ha

Age of the vines: approximately 15 years

Pruning: 10-11 buds per vine stock maximum

Yields: between 70 and 80 hl/ha

Style : fresh, flavourful wines

Fresh, citrusy, delectable

The vines, planted along the Mediterranean coast, benefit from cool, even climatic conditions that lend the wines their lively fruity, citrusy notes for an overall sensation of freshness and vivacity.