Why it matters
The producer
In the Agly Valley, Domaine de Bila Haut makes red and white wines from the commune of Latour de France within the Côtes du Roussillon appellation. Biodynamic farming covers multiple parcels, while fermentation and ageing use concrete and Clayver vessels.
The red range centres on the pepper and spice of Syrah, with Grenache and Carignan adding dark fruit, earth and savoury depth. The whites use Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, producing wines described as bright, fresh, mineral and saline.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Latour de France is the domaine's home commune in the Agly Valley. The Côtes du Roussillon appellation supplies the regional address, while Latour de France appears in the name of the domaine's V.I.T. red.
The valley holds several parcels under one domaine. Red wines carry the warmth and savoury character associated with Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, while the white wines use the two Grenache varieties that give Bila Haut its mineral white style.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The vines are more than 40 years old and are carefully managed for low yields. Biodynamic farming is used across the parcels.
Fermentation takes place in concrete. Ageing uses concrete and Clayver vessels, with the cellar relying on containers that preserve the fruit and mineral character of the wines without adding an oak flavour to every cuvée.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range divides into red and white wines. The reds use Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, with Occultum Lapidem presented as a Syrah dominant red and Latour de France V.I.T. as a named Latour de France bottling.
The whites use Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. Chrysopée Blanc 2021 is composed of 90% Grenache Gris and 10% Grenache Blanc, placing the grey grape at the centre of the white range.