The terroir of Ensérune

A singular geological formation 

The terroir of the Ensérune hill, where the estate is located, is characterized by a singular geological formation dating from the Miocene, from -25 to -5 million years ago. This original formation is the result of marine sedimentation that was brought up during local tectonic movements in the Tertiary period.    

On the property, the soil is made of sedimentary rocks combining sandstone and sandy marl (clay/limestone/sand). The subsoil is associated with a cultivation technique that allows deep rooting of the vine. This is why the vines are planted and cultivated at depth to get the water and mineral resources.  

The rich soil of our vineyards
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The vines on a summer morning

A exceptional climate 

Our vineyard is situated high up on the hillsides of the Oppidum d’Ensérune, overlooking the region. This gives our vines an exceptional microclimate, with warm Mediterranean weather and winds from the Cevennes mountain range.  

A favorable impact 

This climate pattern improves the quality of the grapes and brings distinctive finesse to the wines. The heat of the Mediterranean sunshine is lessened by the winds. In summer, the breeze and the vineyard’s high location mean that temperatures drop at night and the ripening of the grapes is slowed. 

The Enserune hillsides 

The Coteaux d’Ensérune wine area was established in the 1980s but the protected geographical indication IGP Coteaux d’Ensérune was only officially recognised in 2009. The area covers 3,650 hectares of vineyards across 15 different municipalities. It is located between Béziers and the Aude departement. 

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The vineyards in the heart of the Côteaux d’Ensérune
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The clay-limestone soils of the Côteaux

A diversity of soils  

Limestone and clay-limestone cover almost all the soils of the IGP with a very variable texture and depth. A very soft rock formed by marine sands from the coast and sediments from the Miocene make up the soil in the south. Further north, the soils are characterized by marl and schist intermingled with molasses and limestone. 

The Mediterranean mildness  

The marked Mediterranean climate is conducive to hot, dry summers and mild winters with two rainy periods in the autumn and spring. The heat of the summer is tempered by the sea winds. The rain cycles allow the hydration of the vine, on average 500 to 600 mm of water falls.  

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The sunshine of the vineyards on a summer morning
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The three colors of the Côteaux d’Ensérune wines

The wines of the Côteaux  

The white wines of the appellation are characterized by an aromatic palette of white flesh fruits and citrus fruits, marked by freshness and a slight acidity well balanced with a sapid side at the end of the mouth.  

The rosé wines of the Côteaux d’Ensérune are similar to the whites in their freshness and vivacity. They express themselves through aromas of small red fruits, very rich and with a fresh finish.  

The red wines are marked by aromas of red and black fruits such as raspberry and blackberry but also slightly spicy. Wines of character with a perfect balance between freshness and fine tannins.  

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