Description

PRODUCER:
Villa Noria is the story of two wine enthusiasts: Fabien Gross and Cédric Arnaud, who both grew up in the viticultural regions of Languedoc and Alsace, respectively, and were surrounded by vineyards and winemaking heritage. The inheritance left by their winemaking ancestors was passion and a deep respect for the land, and Villa Noria is the result of overflowing enthusiasm, ethics and values. Located a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, between Pézenas and Montagnac, they produce elegant organic wines from HVE Level 3 certified vines that are cultivated in perfect harmony with nature. The winemaking is traditional, without chemical additions and low doses of sulphur. Their natural ranges ‘Amfòra’ and ‘Basic Instinct’ are vinified without the addition of sulphur, while the Levin 0% offers a delicious zero-alcohol option.

VINEYARD:
The Chardonnay grapes for Levin 0% Blanc de Blanc come from a single vineyard, ‘Les Colombiers’, which is located at the bottom of a volcanic hillside. This volcanic terroir has basaltic soils, which are formed from cooled, hardened, and weathered lava, which contains high proportions of iron, imparting the wine with distinctive minerality. The vines are pruned according to the Guyot method. The vineyard is certified organic, and sustainable practices are employed in the vineyard. The vines are surrounded by hedges to protect them from pesticide treatments in the neighbouring fields and also to provide a refuge for the wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and creating a balance.

WINEMAKING:
Levin 0% is the first range of organic alcohol-free wine produced by non-alcoholic fermentation with native yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Developed and bottled at the Villa Noria estate, it is vinified without the use of sulphites, preservatives, additional flavourings and without dealcoholisation, which changes the balance of the wine. The Chardonnay grapes were harvested at night to obtain grape juice with high acidity and low residual sugar. After destemming and crushing, 12 hours of skin contact took place at 3 °C to extract the aromas from the skins, followed by a gentle pressing. The juice was fermented with homemade bacteria and yeast strains that produced no alcohol. This non-alcoholic fermentation transforms the sugar from the grape juice into lactic acid, glycerol, CO2 and aromas. A sterile filtration and pasteurisation in a bottle stabilised the Levin 0%.

TASTING NOTE:
A non-alcoholic sparkling Blanc de Blancs with a delicate mousse and floral aromas intertwined with exotic mango and toasty notes of hazelnut. Refreshing with a lovely balance and a creamy finish.

GRAPES:
Chardonnay 100%.

AWARDS:
• Highly Commended, Wine Merchant, 2025
• Top 100, Wine Merchant, 2025