Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
Since his childhood, Olivier Coste’s favourite place to play was in the vineyards and the wine cellar at his family’s wine estate, which was founded in 1701 in Pézenas. With this upbringing, he developed a passion for nature, the Languedoc region and southern French wines. The vineyards are located a few kilometres from Pézenas where the Mediterranean Sea asserts its influence on the vines. The estate is certified HVE Level 3, which complements the family’s existing ‘Carbon Neutral’ approach. They reduce their CO2 emissions, keeping them to a minimum and offset the rest by financing ecological initiatives, including projects in India. They are furthering their commitments to sustainability with solar energy installations. The Solis Lumen range, meaning ‘Light of the Sun’, was created to highlight the importance of the Mediterranean Sea, sun and wind which shape their wines, while the Stars range has been produced for those who appreciate a modern, fresh and fruity wine, complemented by quirky packaging.

VINEYARD:
This wine comes from a small two hectare plot in an appellation which is revered for the intense and concentrated wines it produces. The 32-year old vines are planted on a south-facing plot; as Mourvèdre is a late ripening variety, it needs full sun to reach optimum maturity. It is grown in schist soils, which provides drainage to create deep roots and water reserves for the vines and results in freshness and minerality in the wine. The vines are trained on wire trellises on the Double Royat system, which with two overlapping branches, promotes the maximum sap distribution in the vines. They are spaced at 2×2 metres to offer height and a larger foliage surface area, promoting good conditions for grape maturation. The fruit is hand-harvested in the cool of the night to preserve freshness and quality.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully selected, 100% destemmed and macerated for three weeks to extract aromas, colour and tannins. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in temperature controlled vats, with regular pump-overs to enhance the aromatic expression. The wine was matured in concrete vats for eighteen months without the influence of oak, allowing the purity of fruit to be fully expressed.

TASTING NOTE:
A soft and approachable wine with dark fruit aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, layered with violets, a touch of black pepper and wild herbs. Beautifully balanced with a fresh palate and a long, smooth finish.

GRAPE:
Mourvèdre 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Languedoc

SUB-REGION:
Pays d’Oc