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 extraction is only performed by punching of the cap during a long maceration which lasts at least 4 weeks.

Chapoutier's single vineyard releases represent the pinnacle of the Domaine's offerings and are some of the finest wines from the Roussillon. The Latour de France, Visitare Interiore Terrae (V.I.T.) is Latin for “Visit the interior of the earth”, it is a blend of old vine Grenache and Syrah from the garrigue scrubland. All of the grapes were hand-picked at the correct maturity in early October. The yield is very low, below 20hl/ha.

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

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.

The Wine Advocate - The deep ruby/purple colored 2015 Ctes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Visitare Interiore Terrae (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) offers a beautifully complex nose of cassis, black currants, damp earth (granite), chocolate and roasted meats. Rich, full-bodied, unctuous and about as sexy as they come, it has lots of sweet fruit, no hard edges and a big finish. Count me as a fan and it's a gorgeous wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years.

Grape variety/varieties: Grenache 65%, Syrah 35%.
Harvest: Grapes are hand-harvested.
Soil: Clay and calcareous soil and schists.
Ageing: 100% in barrels for 18 months.
Alcohol content: 15%