To speak of the Rhône Valley is inevitably to speak of Michel Chapoutier. A legendary figure who holds the world record for 100 Parker points and whose wines are renowned for their refinement and exceptional quality. Chapoutier is an indefatigable producer, an explorer of terroir with an almost instinctive talent for interpreting the land. He has extended his expertise beyond the Rhône, working also in Alsace, Roussillon, and even Australia, always driven by the obsession to understand the soil and express its truth in every bottle.
Within this philosophy emerges Domaine de Bila-Haut, his venture in the Agly Valley, in Roussillon. It is a rugged and magnetic region, formed by terraces on stony soils, with a rich geological foundation and a harsh climate that humanity has learned to cultivate with patience and respect. Chapoutier decided to establish his domain in Latour-de-France, drawn by the mineral strength of its landscapes and the opportunity to produce wines that are a pure reflection of the terroir.
From this quest arises Bila-Haut V.I.T., a single-vineyard wine that symbolizes his profound exploration of Côtes du Roussillon, born from the desire to find the finest strains of Grenache and Syrah. The name, V.I.T., refers to Visitare Interiore Terrae, “Visit the Interior of the Earth,” a statement of intent that heralds the wine's essence. It is a journey to the depths of the soil, to its most intimate energy.
Bila-Haut V.I.T. is the result of an exceptional origin. The Grenache comes from gneiss soils, hard and ancient, while the Syrah grows in clay and limestone terrains that provide freshness and structure. The harvest is conducted manually, with meticulous care from the outset. The vinification follows a slow and respectful pace, with a prolonged maceration lasting at least 4 weeks, working on extraction through gentle cap punching to maintain the wine's elegance. The maturation combines the purity of the Grenache, which ages in vats, with the depth of the Syrah, which rests in demi-muids for 18 months until it reaches its perfect balance.
Bila Haut V.I.T is a powerful and expressive red, with vibrant minerality and fierce elegance. A wine that, like its creator, invites one to look within the earth to discover what is seldom seen on the surface.