This wine comes from tiny L’Esquerda commune in the southeastern corner of France near both the Mediterranean Sea and Spain. It is known as canyon country – “L’Esquerda” means “escarpment” in the local Catalan dialect.

The vineyard of Lesquerde is constituted of hill top plains and slopes which are made of granitic soil. Its 350m altitude provides it a unique terroir. Each plot is hand-harvesting between 15th September and 15th October. This is a late terroir because of the altitude and nature of soils. The grapes are destemmed and maceration lasts around 4 weeks. Extractions are carried out by pumping-over. Temperatures don’t exceed 32°C. 10% of the wine was aged in oak casks and the balance in concrete tanks.

The 67-acre L’esquerda vineyard takes its name from the small commune of Lesquerde in the Agle Valley just a few kilometers west of Maury. L’esquerda vineyard lies at an elevation of 350 meters above sea level and the soils consist mainly of granite. This part of the Roussillon enjoys mild winters, little rain, hot summer temperatures and windy conditions. All of this adds up to prime growing conditions with very few disease pressures.

The full-bodied Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde l'Esquerda is wonderfully lush, welcoming and supple. Loaded with black cherries and crushed stone, this seductive number adds a dusting of cocoa powder on the long, slightly warm finish. -Wine Advocate

Each plot is hand-harvesting between 15th September and 15th October. This is a late ripening terroir because of the altitude and nature of soils.

Purchased by Michel Chapoutier in 1999, Bila-Haut is located in the best part of the Languedoc called the Côtes du Roussillon. Historically the site was one of the first areas planted for viticulture by the Greek Mariners and has been continuously a wine region known for making top quality wines. The House of Bila, the translation of the name of the estate, was once a house of refuge for the Knights Templar, which is why their cross is symbolically used on the label. In the hills of the Agly Valley, 40+ year old vines are carefully and meticulously managed by an experienced team of viticulturalists, where sustainable farming and low yields combine to create the highest quality fruit. Wine is made in the vineyards, by paying careful attention to the plants and working alongside nature.

The complexity of Bila-Haut reflects the diverse terroirs and the wind of the Midi. By meticulously hand harvesting the best grapes from the best vineyards of the Roussillon, Michel Chapoutier has transformed his magic to the Languedoc and created a wine with finesse. These wines are produced biodynamically and express the best terroir of the region.

Harvest: The vineyard of Lesquerde is constituted of hill top plains and slopes which are made of granitic soil. Its 350m altitude provides it a unique terroir.
Grapes: Mainly Syrah, and then Grenache and Carignan varieties.
Ageing: The grapes are destemmed and maceration lasts around 4 weeks. Extractions are carried out by pumping-over. Temperatures don’t exceed 32°C. Alcohol content: 14.5