Domaine de Bila-Haut - Lesquerde - R.I.
Technical data
Harvest: Hand-picked at the correct maturity in early October. The yield is low, below 20hl/ha.
Soil: Located in the Lesquerde district, an area in the department where the grapes are last to ripen, the vineyard parcel lies on a gentle, north-facing slope; very infertile, granite, ferrous soil, predominantly gravely on top.
Ageing: Aging lasts around 18 months: the first year in demi-muids (600 l) barrels of one wine then the last six months in concrete tanks to completely polish the tannins, while preserving freshness and smoothness, before bottling
Alcohol content: 15.5%
Vinification
Estate
History
Description
The harvest is totally destalked then vinified in small concrete tanks. Gentle extraction is required: light pumping-over during active fermentation with 4 to 5 weeks total maceration. Aging lasts around 18 months: the first year in demi-muids (600 l) barrels of one wine then the last six months in concrete tanks to completely polish the tannins, while preserving freshness and smoothness, before bottling.
I continue to be blown away by the quality coming from Domaine de la Bila Haut, which is run with the Chapoutier team...The top single parcel bottles of RI and VIT are made in tiny quantities, but these are up with the finest wines coming from the south of France. In short, these are fabulous wines that show classic characters (most are aged all in concrete) and represent incredible values. Don't miss them. -Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate