Domaine de Bila-Haut - Occultum Lapidem - White 2019

Tasting notes

A blend of Grenache Blanc and Vermentino, with scents of apple rind, melon rind, lanolin and lemon oil. The palate offers more waves of lanolin, citrus oil and beeswax, with just a hint of toasty character like dried straw and honeycomb cereal.

Description

Occultum Lapidem means “Hidden Gem” in Latin, the Cotes du Roussillon region is set up similarly to the Cotes du Rhone, in that wines that bear the Cotes du Roussillon Villages name are generally of a higher quality than the more generic Cotes du Roussillon label.

Harvested by hand this and naturally settled at 10°C. Fermentation took place at 18°C, 50% in stainless steel vats, 50% in “demi-muids” (600 liter French oak barrels). Malolactic fermentation was prevented and the wine matured for 6 months in 50% stainless steel vats and 50% in new “demi-muids” with “bâtonnage” (stirring of the lees).

Estate

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.

History

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.

Technical data

Grape variety/varieties: 70% Grenache blanc, 30% Vermentino
Ageing: 9 months, 70% in stainless steel vats and 30% in "demi-muids" (mainly new) with "batônnage" (stirring of the lees).
Alcohol content: 13%

Vinification

After pressing, we carry out a natural cold static settling at 10°C. Fermentation is carried out at 18°C, 70% in stainless steel vats and 30% in "demi-muids" (600L barrels). Prevention of malolactic fermentation.

France Languedoc Ro... Cotes du Rou...