Bergerie du Capucin les 100 Pas du Berger Blanc, Saint Guilhem le Désert 2021
A refreshing and expressive blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, offering aromas of wild flowers and ripe apricot through to a charming palate, with a creamy texture and an uplifting citrus finish.
The vineyards are situated in Lauret and Valflaunés, to the north of Montpellier in the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains and the Massif Central. The combination of the chalky-clay top soils with a marly sub-soil offers excellent drainage and produce elegant wines. The distinct climate is a fusion of a Mediterranean climate, due to proximity of the sea just over 15 miles away, and a continental climate of the semi-mountainous location. The area experiences very high diurnal temperature differences, from 39°C during the day, to less than 15°C at night; and high rainfall, which can reach 1,000mm annually. This microclimate, allows a slow, gradual maturation of the grapes, which imparts complexity and natural acidity to the fruit, and results in beautifully balanced wines. The vines have an average age of 20 years and are sustainably cultivated; the vineyard is currently in conversion to organic status. The grapes are harvested during the night to preserve the quality.
The grapes were gently pressed and transferred to stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to clarify the juice. Each variety was vinified separately and later blended. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts at 16 to 17°C in stainless steel tanks to retain the fruitiness of the blend. Vinified without oak, maturation took place in tank on the fine lees with bâtonnage to impart texture.
| RRP | £17.50 |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Grapes | Chardonnay 60%, Viognier 40% |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | In Conversion |
| Biodynamic | No |
This 15-hectare estate is the passion of Guilhem Viau, who produces multi award-winning wines from vineyards situated at 658 metres’ altitude on the first spurs of the Cevennes and Massif Central hills. The Dame Jeanne range is named after his ancestor whom Guilhem describes as ‘an elegant, beautiful, very vivacious lady; a shepherdess on the high plains of the Bergerie du Capucin’. The vineyards are cultivated sustainably respecting the environment of this rugged landscape and allowing for the full expression of the garrigue and wild herbs that characterise this countryside.
