Domaine de la Rochelierre Fitou 'Noblesse du Temps' 2019

The grapes are grown in the estate vineyard located in the heart of the Fitou appellation, which is in the South of France, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The climate is highly influenced by the sea breezes, which mitigate the hot, dry and sunny weather and help to keep the canopies ventilated and the vines healthy. The soils are very poor soil with a high proportion of shale and clay-limestone stone. This poor soil makes the vines struggle and encourages them to send their roots deep in search of nutrients, which imparts complexity into the wine. Since 1979, the vineyard has been cultivated according to the Method Cousinié; without chemicals and only organic and mineral products are employed to express the true nature of the soil. It requires considerable soil work including significant amount of ploughing every year, this also helps to form deep roots, which makes the vines less susceptible to fluctuations in temperature and water stress.

Each variety was vinified separately. The grapes were fully destemmed and fermented with selected yeasts in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures of around 20°C. Maceration lasted for six weeks during which aromas, colour, flavours and fine tannins were extracted. The wine was skilfully blended and matured in new French oak barrels for 11 months.