PRESS PACK

GRÉS DE MONTPELLIE R AOC LANGUEDOC N ITIO 17 ED 20 16/ 20

Syndicat AOC Languedoc Grés de Montpellier Mas de Saporta, CS 30 030 - 34973 Lattes Cedex Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 06 04 44 - Fax + 33 (0)4 67 58 05 15 www.gres-de-montpellier.com

Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc 6, place des Jacobins - BP 221 - 11102 Narbonne Cedex Tél. + 33 (0)4 68 90 38 30 - Fax + 33 (0)4 68 32 38 00 www.languedoc-wines.com

Contacts Presse : Clair de Lune - Amélie Bluma et Marion Delemontex 12 rue Saint-Polycarpe - 69001 Lyon Tél. 33(0) 4 72 07 31 90 - Fax 33(0) 4 72 07 31 91 amé[email protected] - [email protected] www.clairdelune.fr Environment and area

Recognized as AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montellier in 2003* the zone groups AOC registered vineyards in Montpellier and its surrounding area. Together with la Clape it is one of the AOC Languedoc vineyards most affected by the Mediterranean. Covering 46 communes, the marine influence is the common link between them all. The vine producing areas are hilly ("coteau"), at moderate altitudes (100-200 metres), and frequently covered by the pebbles or shingle

which give their Occitan name "grés" to the terroir.

* 11 March 2003 decree amending that of 24 December 1985.

At the doors of Montpellier,

bounded on the west by the Hérault valley, the Pic Saint-Loup region to the n orth, the Vidourle

valley in the east and the coast to the south, the Grés de Montpellier vineyards are protected

from northern influences by the Black Mountain and the Cévennes. A dry climate refreshed by

damp summer sea breezes encourages early maturity and a well balanced vegetation cycle.

1 Quissac 7 Gailhan

de-Buèges E Saint-Maurice-Navacelles Lecques Vacquières D Lauret 3 D 5 9 Saint-Jean- Sauteyrargues 7 Fontanès 1 de-Buèges D

5 2 D Pégairolles- 6 8 9 Causse- de-Buèges D Garrigues Saint-Pierre-de-la-Fage de-la-Selle Saint-Martin-de- D 4 Londres Sommières 0 0 Campagne 1 1

25 Saint-Mathieu- Saint-Bauzille- bès D de-Montmel N de-Tréviers Boisseron Saint-Étienne- de-Gourjas Saint-Privat

Saint-Drézéry Beaulieu Guzargues Saint-Seriès Saint- Saint-Jean-de- D 32 Restinclières Christol sclas-du-Bosc Saint-Vincent-de- Saturargues la-Blaquière Vérargues Barbeyrargues Arboras Sussargues Le Bosc Saint-Clément- de-Rivière Assas Saint-Geniès- Prades-le-Lez D des-Mourgues Lunel-Viel Lunel

N Combaillaux 1 9 7 5 Castries D Vailhauquès 9 9 Saint-André- 8 A 6 5 D 6 1

3 6

1 de-Sangonis N 1

D ac d u Salagou Gignac 9 Castelnau-le-Lez A D 908 Saint-Aunès

N 7 Clermont- 5

l'Hérault 32 D 109 Mauguio N

Saint-Georges-d'Orques Juvignac

D Saint-Bauzille- Aumelas 2 de-la Sylve Murviel-

5 D r 1 lès-Montpellier O D 6 l' 6 u de Lavérune o o ugui a Vendémian Pignan de M s ang MONTPELLIER Ét ète D ne à S 5 Rhô D al du Plaissan Can Cournonterral Étang

La Grande-Motte 7 de Méjean 9 Cournonsec D

Saint-Pargoire Villeneuve-

9 les-Maguelonne 2 3 3 1 N D Montbazin 1 D 2 N Saint-Pons- 12 9 1 de-Mauchiens A N Villeveyrac Montagnac Poussan GOLFE DU LION

A 9 N 113 Pézenas

D 129

D

2

MER

Mèze

3 1

D

Montblanc U A H MÉDITERRANÉE 18 T D D 18 E D Sète

IN S S A B 9 12 A Bessan 1 Marseillan N

Key figures - Area under production : 12 000 hectares ofwhich 1 000 are classified AOC Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier

- Production zones : 46 communes (Assas, Aumelas, Beaulieu, Boisseron, Campagne, Castelnau-le-Lez, Castries, Combaillaux, Cournonsec, Cournonterral, Garrigues, Gignac (pour partie), Guzargues, Juvignac, Lavèrune, Lunel, Lunel-Viel, Mauguio, Montagnac, Montbazin, Montpellier, Murviel-lès-Montpellier, Pignan, Plaissan, Poussan, Prades-le-Lez, Restinclières, Saturargues, Saint-Aunès, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Saint-Christol, Saint-Clément, Saint-Drézéry, Saint-Genies-des-Mourgues, Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Saint- Pargoire, Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens, Saint-Séries, Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues, Sussargues, Vailhauques, Vendémian, Vérargues, Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, Villeveyrac).

- Number of producers : 48 independent producers 5 caves coopératives

- Annual production : 80 726 hectolitres, of which 5 000 hectolitres classified AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montpellier.

- Maximum yield : 45 hl/ha

- Colours : red wines only

- Trade : almost exclusively sold in bottles

www.gres-de-montpellier.com Vines since V century BCE

The history of wine around Montpellier dates from V BCE. The Romans were the first to develop commercial wine production. Since 2003, the Grés de Montpellier has been recognized as AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montpellier * The zone groups registered vineyards in Montpellier and its surrounding area. * 11 March 2003 decree amending that of 24 December 1985.

There have been vines around Montpellier since V BCE. Grape seeds have been dug up in what must have been the cellar of a house in the commune of Lattes near Montpellier. The Romans started commercial vine growing, selling wine throughout the Empire, in an area that stretched right along the Dominitien Way, crossing the Lez at Castelnau and the Vidourle at Ambrussum.

"Benedictine Law" What became known as the "Benedictine Law" was established by St Benedict of Nuncia in Italy's "Monte Cassino" in VI CE, then revised and applied throughout the Carolingien empire by Witiza, son of the Count of Maguelonne, who was born at Substancio (Castelnau le Lez) and became known throughout history as Saint Benedict of Aniane. He founded numerous abbeys throughout Carolingien Europe and the Languedoc, the earliest being the Abbey of Aniane. Monks were required to own their own vineyards, providing drink for the monks and converts, as well as for travellers who were put up in the premises. Traditions stemming from Greek-Roman days were maintained and developed by the Benedictines who promoted the health giving qualities of wine. Wine sales provided an important source of income for the Abbots who were known as "Pater Vinéarum". Thus an historic personality born in the Grés de Montpellier was originator of numerous vineyards and of an organisational philosophy based on written rules, which also moderated the theory of absolute authority.

The influence of Cistercians and professors of medicine In 1138 the Cistercians founded the Abbaye of Valmagne on a superb site near the plateau of Aumelas in the commune of Villeveyrac. The magnificent vineyard is there to this day. A little later, in 1149, the Knights Hospitalier also contributed to Montpellier's wine based prosperity by planting such historic vineyards as those of La Méjanelle, Saint-Christol and Saint-Georges d’Orques. As for the professors of medicine, they contributed in their own way to viticutural progress. The doctor- chemist, Arnaud de Villeneuve (XIV CE) and later the natural medical authority, Edward Adams (XVII CE) created and improved still alcohol and wine based spirits. Whilst a medical student at Montpellier, Rabelais developed herb based wines at Grammont, the Méjanelle and Saint- Georges-d’Orques which he launched at Pantagruel.

Much sought after wines In 1729, the Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1704 by the Languedoc administration, laid down the first regulations covering wines and spirits, together with quality control checks on wines, alcohol and barrels. Casks were to be marked with the Languedoc cross by the consuls of the Parish. In 1788, Sète exported 170 000 barrels of wine and 80 000 barrels of spirits. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the USA and Ambassador to Paris from 1785 – 1789, came to Montpellier for medical treatment. Whilst there he discovered the wines which were to fill his cellars throughout his time as President of the USA. Montpellier, capital of wine Many XIV and XVII century wine chateaux are dotted around Montpellier. Outstanding ones, still making a mark on the reputation of Languedoc wines are the Château of Flaugergues the Château of L’Engarran, the Château of Beaulieu, the Château of Saint-Sériès, th Châteaud'Assas, the Château of la Devèze and that of the Grès Saint Paul at Vérargues. According to historian Gilbert Garrier of Lyon University, 'the most sought after wines in France were those from Montpellier'. And, in the XIX century when phyloxera was ravaging French vineyards, it was agronomic research in Montpellier that discovered methods of fighting the aphid. Nowadays, thanks to the Agropolis centre which makes it the world’s second largest agronomic grouping, Montpellier is once again a shining beacon in agriculture, viticulture and the international farm produce industry. Since the Middle Ages, the story of Château d'Assas, its land and its wines has been recorded in history books. On 30 June 1483, Saint Martial day, Rostang VII, the Seigneur of Assas, proclaimed in public and in the language of the country that from then on, Assas wines would be sold ' En las mesuras antiquas et ségnadas dals Segnors'. 1993 : Birth of the Syndicat des Grés de Montpellier The Syndicat des Grés de Montpellier was only formed in 1993. It must be admitted that the name Montpellier did not appear when the 1950 VDQS (Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) regulations promoted many Languedoc areas into AOC zones. But later action by its members was successful. Since 1997, Grés de Montpellier producers have accepted the tight regulations (yield, grape variety selection, vine maturity, longer maturing etc). Result : on 11 May 2003, the Grés de Montpellier terroir was recognized as AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montpellier by decree*. It covers 46 communes around Montpellier. * Decree of 11 March 2003, modifying that of 24 December 1985.

« Montpellier, its quality vineyards, is recognized by viticulturists world wide for the quality of its historic and current basic and applied research as well as for the quality of its agricultural, viticultural and vinicultural economy. This international recognition developed after Montpellier's 19 century discovery of how to fight phylloxra which was destroying European vineyards when attacked by an insect from the United States of America. »

www.gres-de-montpellier.com A terroir at the gates of Montpellier

The name "Grés de Montpellier" comes from the Occitan word "grés" which means "stony land". The city of Montpellier is at its centre. The area is protected from northern weather patterns by the Black Mountain and Cevennes.

Environment The vineyards are bounded on the west by the Hérault valley, the Pic Saint-Loup region to the north, the Vidourle valley in the east and the Mediterranean to the south. The rocky land covers over 5 000 hectares, stretching along the coast from Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to Frontignan. A classified area it forms a true green lung linked by a network of paths and footways, and includes several major historic sites such as the abbey of Saint-Félix-de-Montceau and the chapel of Saint Baudile. Going north past the Moure massif, there is the totally different Hérault valley. Cut off from the sea, the view is of the Larzac cliffs, the pic Saint Baudille, the pic of Vissou and mount Mourèze. In the Villeveyrac valley, the land once again opens up to the sea. The Grés de Montpellier slopes gently from here to the Thau lagoon. Types of soil Much used in the Languedoc, the word "grés" (stony soil) is associated with geological characteristics. The stony, arid land is well known for its geological diversity. The Tertiary era formations (Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene) are the most common (zones of pebbles or shingle, limestone, sand and marl), the alluvial terraces made up of rolled siliceous pebbles of Alpine origin are also well known. As for the hard limestone around Assas, it cohabits well with the Quartenary limestone pebbles around Villeneuve-lès-Maguelones and Saint-Christol. Climate With borders to the north of the Pic Saint Loup, the garrigue covered plateaux and the Cevennes, the Grés de Montpellier are thoroughly sheltered. The northern hillsides and mountains form a barrier against the Mistral which becomes stronger east of Lunel, whilst the Mediterranean breezes to the south temper the climate. Result : soft winters, hot summers without heat waves, and rainfall varies throughout the year (600 – 800 mm annually, but only 80-100 mm from June to August). The climate is thus Mediterranean and the cool summer sea breezes help grapes to mature early in good condition.

Noteworthy dates 1993 : The Syndicat des Grés de Montpellier is formed. 1997 : Strict production rules introduced in view of the area joining the AOC zone. 2003 : 11 March 2003 decree defines the Grés de Montpellier as part of the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc.

« In the Languedoc, where it is much used, the word Grés, associated with its diverse characteristics, means "stony land". In fact, it applies to stony, arid land which produces good wine and in which only vines and olives can flourish ».

www.gres-de-montpellier.com From vines to wine

In ten years*, Grés de Montpellier producers obtained recognition as AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montpellier. Nowdays they produce around 5 000 hl of red wine annually. * 1993 : creation of the Syndicat des Grés de Montpellier - 2003 : recognition of AOC Languedoc-Grés de Montpellier.

Grape varieties Main varieties : Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah. Principle grape varieties must make up at least 70 % of Appellation registered land areas and Grenache at least 20 %. At least two principle grape varieties are required to make up the blend. Complementary variety : Carignan

Production rules Alcohol levels : the wines must naturally contain an alcohol level equal to or over 12 %. Yields : Basic Grés de Montpellier yields must not exceed 45 hectolitres per hectare Minimum age of young vines : Appellation Coteaux du Languedoc - Grés de Montpellier status can only be granted to young vines after their 9 th year for Carignan and their 6 th year for other varieties. Planting density per hectare Minimum planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare Vineyard maintenance : The vines must be hard pruned in one of two ways : "gobelet" (bush) or "cordon de royat" (trunk with two horizontal ‘arms’). Maturing : Coteaux du Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier wines may be released for consumption once they have matured for a year.

Note The deep ruby red of Grés de Montpellier wines is evidence of a powerful structure. On the nose they are complex, with aromas of red fruit, black cherries and garrigue. They're usually very open and generous in the mouth. But what is truly outstanding about the wines is the balance between power and elegance. Fine, silky tannins make them very appealing.

« Grés de Montpellier wines are typically meridional : strong on the eye, generous mouth with ouystandingly fine, silky tannins ».

www.gres-de-montpellier.com Producers' contact details

ASSAS COURNONSEC Domaine de la Perrière Domaine de Terre Mégère Thierry Sauvaire Michel Moreau 975 route de Saint-Vincent 34660 Cournonsec 34820 Assas Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 85 42 85 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 59 61 75 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 85 25 12 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 59 52 52 [email protected] [email protected] GUZARGUES Domaine Pierre Clavel Pierre Clavel Domaine de la Triballe Mas de Périé Sabine et Olivier Durand 34820 Assas 34820 Guzargues Tél. + 33 (0)4 99 62 06 13 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 59 66 32 Fax + 33 (0)4 99 62 06 14 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 59 59 58 [email protected] [email protected] www.vins-clavel.fr www.la-triballe.com

Les Vignerons du Pic JUVIGNAC 285 avenue de Saint-Croix 34820 Assas Château de Fourques Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 59 62 55 Lise Fons-Vincent Fax + 33 (0)4 67 59 56 39 34 Juvignac [email protected] Tél. 04 67 47 90 87 [email protected] AUMELAS LAVÉRUNE Château Bas Jean-Philippe et Geoffroy d'Albenas Château de l'Engarran 34230 Aumelas Diane Losfelt Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 96 83 40 Constance Rérolle Fax + 33 (0)4 67 96 83 40 34880 Lavérune [email protected] Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 47 00 02 www.chateau-bas.fr Fax + 33 (0)4 67 27 87 89 [email protected] Clos de l’Amandaie www.lengarran.com Philippe Peytavi Mas Arnaud Domaine Guizard 34230 Aumelas Remy Boyer Chammard Tél. + 33 (0)6 86 68 08 62 34880 Lavérune [email protected] Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 27 86 59 www.closdelamandaie.com Fax + 33 (0)4.67 27 86 59 [email protected] CANET LUNEL Domaine Calage Resseguier Léon Calage Château Grès Saint-Paul 100 chemin des Condamines Jean-Philippe Servière 34800 Canet Route de Restinclières Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 44 12 72 34400 Lunel Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 71 27 90 CASTRIES Fax + 33 (0)4 67 71 73 76 [email protected] Domaine Ellul-Ferrières Sylvie et Gilles Ellul Fontmagne - RN110 34160 Castries Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 02 28 28 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 02 28 26 [email protected] www.domaine-ellul.com

www.gres-de-montpellier.com Producers' contact details

MONTAGNAC SAINT -BAUZILLE DE LA SYLVE Château Saint-Martin-de-la-Garrigue Clos Sorian Jean-Claude Zabalia Florent Granier 34530 Montagnac 34 St Bauzille de la Sylve Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 00 40 Tél. 06 07 50 33 64 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 24 16 15 [email protected] [email protected] www.stmartingarrigue.com Mas de Janiny Frères Jullien Mas du Novi 34 St Bauzille de la Sylve Frédéric Palu Tél. 04 67 57 96 70 Saint-Jean-du-Noviciat [email protected] 34530 Montagnac Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 07 32 SAINT-BAUZILLE-DE-MONTMEL Fax + 33 (0)4 67 24 07 32 [email protected] Domaine du Mas de Martin Christian Mocci MONTAUD Route de Carnas (D21) 34160 Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel Cellier du Val des Pins Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 86 98 82 Bruno Jay Fax + 33 (0)4 67 86 98 82 18 rue de Montlaur [email protected] 34160 Montaud www.masdemartin.info Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 86 94 55 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 86 11 70 SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE [email protected] Domaine Puech MONTPELLIER Christine et Jean-Louis Puech 25 rue du Four Château de Flaugergues 34980 Saint-Clément-de-Rivière Pierre de Colbert Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 84 12 31 1744 avenue Albert Einstein Fax + 33 (0)4 67 66 63 16 34000 Montpellier [email protected] Tél. + 33 (0)4 99 52 66 37 www.domainepuech.com Fax + 33 (0)4 99 52 66 44 [email protected] SAINT-GÉLY DU FESC www.flaugergues.com Le Chemin des Rêves MURVIEL LES MONTPELLIER Benoît Viot 2 rue Predimau Domaine de Saumarez 34 St Gély du Fesc Robin Williamson Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 03 44 04 34 Murviel les Montpellier Fax + 33 (0)4 67 03 44 04 Tél. 06 24 41 56 20 [email protected] [email protected] www.chemin-des-reves.com

PÉZENAS SAINT-GENIÈS-DES-MOURGUES Vignobles Paul Mas Cave Les Coteaux de Montpellier Château de Conas Route des Carrières Pézenas 34160 Saint-Geniès-des-Mourgues Tél. 04 67 90 16 10 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 86 21 99 [email protected] Fax + 33 (0)4 67 86 22 65 [email protected] POUSSAN Domaine de la Pansière Hélène et Michel Vinas 6 rue de l'Evangile 34770 Gigean Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 78 79 28 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 78 79 28

www.gres-de-montpellier.com Producers' contact details

SAINT-GEORGES-D'ORQUES VAILHAUQUÈS Cave les vignerons du Chevalier Georges Domaine du Poujol 21 Avenue de Montpellier Kim et Robert Cripps 34680 Saint-Georges-d'Orques 34 Vailhauquès Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 75 11 16 04 67 84 47 57 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 40 56 10 [email protected] [email protected] Domaine les Anges de Bacchus SAINT-JEAN DE VÉDAS David Mouysset 34 Vailhauquès Château Claud Bellevue Tél. 06 17 34 57 18 Pierre de Boisgelin [email protected] 34 St Jean de Védas Tél. 04 67 27 63 37 VILLENEUVE-LES-MAGUELONE [email protected] Château d'Exindre-La Magdelaine SAINT-PARGOIRE Catherine Sicard Géroudet 34750 Villeneuve-les-Maguelone Domaine Aubrespy Jacques Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 69 49 77 Jacques Aubrespy Fax + 33 (0)4 67 69 49 77 2 rue de la Mairie [email protected] 34 230 St Pargoire Tél. +33 (0) 6 81 32 56 98 VILLEVEYRAC Fax +33 (0) 4 67 98 71 70 [email protected] Domaine Abbaye de Valmagne Philippe d'Allaines Domaine de Blanville 34560 Villeveyrac Béatrice Nivollet Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 78 06 09 34230 Saint-Pargoire Fax + 33 (0)4 67 78 02 50 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 25 22 53 [email protected] Fax + 33 (0)4 67 25 22 54 www.valmagne.com [email protected] www.blanville.com Domaine de Roquemale Valérie Tabariés et Dominique Ibanez Mas de Vedel 12 rue des Aires Basses Michel de Nucé 34560 Villeveyrac 34 230 Saint- Pargoire Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 78 24 10 Tél. 04 67 01 45 02 Fax + 33 (0)4 67 78 24 10 [email protected] [email protected] www.roquemale.com SAINT-VINCENT DE BARBEYRARGUES Mas de Bayle Domaine Cour Saint-Vincent Céline Michelon Martine et Francis Bouys 34560 Villeveyrac Place Saint Vincent Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 78 06 11 34730 Saint-Vincent de Barbeyrargues Fax +33 (0) 4 83 07 57 30 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 59 60 74 [email protected] Fax + 33 (0)4 99 62 02 06 www.masdebayle.com [email protected]

www.gres-de-montpellier.com