Two phenomena have particularly disoriented the winegrowers of Languedoc Roussillon this year.

Autumn 2015 and winter 2016 were exceptionally dry with rainfall totals between 1st November 2015 and 1st March 2016 were around 100 mm only.  But in the same time winegrowers saw mild temperatures throughout the Languedoc.  Temperatures were 2.6˚ C higher than seasonal norms (hottest winters since 1990 in France).

Harvests have been delayed by 10 days due to the hot summer temperatures coupled with a moderate water deficit.

The grapes came into the winery separately and very early in the morning (2 to 8 AM) and maceration in concrete tanks last 150 days.  Vinification is made in concrete tank as well.  100% of the wine is aged in 228 liters barrels for 18 months.  The oak barrels are coming from Burgundy oak forests or Troncais forest.  Medium toast or medium +.  No fining and no filtraton.  Small use of the sulfite during vinification.

Grape Variety:  100% Mourvedre

Total Acidity:  62.3

pH: 3.8

ABV: 15%

Sugar: <1

Production:  200 cases

20 km North East of Montpellier, Puech-Haut soils spread out on 250 ha between 50 and 150 m height.  This terroir made of round pebbles on top of a 4 meters clay layer has a Mediterranean climate.  No irrigation with a south exposure, this terroir allow only 20hl/ha of yielding.