Why it matters
The producer
Bijou Wine's Sophie Valrose range is named in honour of Anastasie Vergnes. She was a vineyard worker in Languedoc during the nineteenth century and advocated for female laborers' rights and equal compensation. Chris Ellis established Bijou Wine in 2013 after a career of more than 25 years in wine production, sourcing, sales and marketing.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Bijou Wine is a producer from Languedoc in southern France. Its Rosé, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc bottles pair wine names with place names. The Rosé is from Coteaux du Libron, the Pinot Noir from VdP de la Haute Vallée de l'Aude, and the Sauvignon Blanc from IGP Hérault. These designations mark origin, while the wine names identify the style or grape.
Wines to know
The range in view
Bijou's range is organised into six product lines: Sophie Valrose, Éminence, Vestige, Terre de Providence, Le Chic and Lumea. Sophie Valrose includes Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, as well as a wine labelled Viognier Grenache Blanc. It has fresh, forward red berry fruit, with ripe raspberry and citrusy notes on the palate.