Bergerie du Capucin, 'Les 100 Pas du Berger Rouge', Languedoc

A charming and approachable wine offering great purity of brambly fruit in a smooth, rounded and easy-drinking style with flavours of the garrigue of Southern France. 

Producer Note

This 15-hectare estate is the passion of Guilhem Viau, who produces multi awardwinning wines from vineyards situated at 658 metres’ altitude on the first spurs of the Cevennes and Massif Central hills. The Dame Jeanne range is named after his ancestor whom Guilhem describes as ‘an elegant, beautiful, very vivacious lady; a shepherdess on the high plains of the Bergerie du Capucin’, while ‘Les 100 Pas du Berger’ translates as the ‘100 Steps of the Shepherd’, which pays homage to path she trod. The vineyards are cultivated sustainably respecting the environment of this rugged landscape and allowing for the full expression of the garrigue and wild herbs that characterise this countryside. 

Vintage

2020 will be remembered for its changeable climate. The wet winter generously replenished groundwater reserves, allowing budbreak to occur early. The warm, wet spring was record breaking for high temperatures and rainfall, which in turn stimulated intense growth, good foliage development and early flowering. The typically Mediterranean summer, was hot and dry which allowed the vines to mature and the fruit was harvested under good conditions. 

Vineyard

The vineyards are situated in Lauret and Valflaunés, to the north of Montpellier in the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains and the Massif Central. The combination of the chalky-clay topsoils with a marly sub-soil offers excellent drainage and produce elegant wines. The distinct climate is a fusion of a Mediterranean climate, due to proximity of the sea just over 15 miles away, and a continental climate of the semi-mountainous location. The area experiences very high diurnal temperature differences, from 39°C during the day, to less than 15°C at night; and high rainfall, which can reach 1,000mm annually. This microclimate, allows a slow, gradual maturation of the grapes, which imparts complexity and natural acidity to the fruit, and results in beautifully balanced wines with very fine tannins. The vines have an average age of 20 years and are sustainably cultivated; the vineyard is currently in conversion to organic status. The grapes are harvested during the cool mornings.

Winemaking 

Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in vats to preserve the purity of fruit. The temperatures were carefully controlled at around 23 to 24°C during fermentation rising to 28°C during maceration, which lasted from 15 to 18 days. Daily pumping over (remontage) took place, along with frequent punching down of the cap, to extract the desired levels of tannins, colour and flavour. This cuvée was made without any influence of oak to preserve the fruity characteristics. 

Tasting Note

A charming and approachable blend of Grenache and Syrah, offering brambly fruit aromas complemented by a delicate hint of spice. Smooth and rounded with great purity of fruit and a fresh, moreish finish. 

Grape

Grenache 80%, Syrah 20%