How to find unforgettable wines: a medieval village, complex terroir & 100 years of family-run viticulture
On the Road with The Princess and the Bear
St. Guilhem le Desert, where one of our wine domaines, La Voûte de Verdus, has been operating for over 100 years.
Our quest to bring you the undiscovered wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France takes us throughout the region. We immerse ourselves in the rich history and beauty of the area and meet the colorful personalities and innovative winemakers at the heart of the winemaking renaissance.
Last weekend we visited one of our wineries, La Voûte du Verdus, a family-owned domaine located in the medieval town of St. Guilhem le Desert, an ancient commune officially designated as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
The vineyard was planted over 100 years ago and is managed by Guilhem Bonnet, a third-generation winemaker. You'll find two delicious La Voûte du Verdus wines toward the end of this post.
La Voûte du Verdus (“Vault of the Verdus River”) is so named because the cave in which the Bonnet family makes the wine sits atop the Verdus River, which runs through the center of St. Guilhem le Desert.
Here, the father, Guilhem Bonnet—who is a winemaker and the vineyard manager—shows the Bear newly planted Vermentino vines. At 3 years old, these grapes have just "come of age" for winemaking in a blend with grapes from older vines.
The vineyards of La Voûte du Verdus are situated in the appellation Terrasses du Larzac, considered one of the finest appellations in the Languedoc. Cooling winds from the Black Mountains keep the grapes from ripening too quickly. The longer grapes sit on the vine, the more complex the flavors. Complexity equals delicious. 😍
The Princess chats with Mélanie Estival, daughter and fourth-generation winemaker of the family-run La Voûte du Verdus. In the background, the Verdus River flows beneath the cave (or "vault") where the wine is made. And of course, Gigi is enjoying the scenery!
Domaine La Voûte De Verdus
2015 Grand Saut
45% Carignan, 45% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Grenache Noir
This top red cuvée is a beast! The Carignan is a true Mediterranean varietal, totally adapted to the climate. Together with Mourvèdre this is the heart of the blend. Syrah and Grenache Noir are like salt and pepper.
The result? A deep red wine with spicy and leather aromas in the nose, soft and silky tannins, and a long aftertaste without being heavy. So, so delicious!
Perfect with game, duck confit, and hard cheeses.
2017 Le Désert Blanc
50% Colombard, 50% Grenache Blanc
This is a Princess favorite!
This La Voûte du Verdus Blanc is equal parts Colombard and Grenache Blanc. The wine is deceptively pale in color because it carries very expressive fruit in the nose (green apple, lime). It has a fresh and acidic attack but is still round and full in character.
Excellent with seafood, chicken, prawns and goat cheeses.