Domaine de la Prose AOC Côteaux du Languedoc / US

Introduction

Within sight of the Mediterranean, the Domaine de la Prose is located in the garrigue, an area of dense flora, shrubs and stunted evergreen oaks. The roots of the vines plunge deep into the hot, dry stony hillsides, a mix of clay, limestone and silicate which provide good drainage and a stable level of moisture.

The family-owned business proudly maintains traditions established in the early 1800s by an ancestor, Henri Marès. A close friend of Louis Pasteur, founder of the science of microbiology, Henri Marès saved French vineyards from an epidemic of grape-mildew in 1854 when he discovered that by vaporising the infected vines with dry sulphur he got rid of the oidium fungus which caused the mildew.

Generations later, his descendants Alexandre and Patricia de MORTILLET created the Domaine de la Prose, run today by their son, Bertrand. An oenology graduate from Bordeaux, Bertrand has selected a unique mix of grapes to capture the rich flavours of the terroir in his wines.

The diferent Wine

Red: Grande Cuvée (90% Syrah, 10% Grenache)

18-months ageing in new oak barrels. A remarkable wine, with a dark black robe; powerful aromas of bilberry and blackberry which develop into the fragrance of spice. A good length on the palate, opening out to a whole range of black fruits with a dash of the garrigue: thyme, bay leaves, rosemary and pepper. At the end, a burst of freshness.

White : Les Embruns (Vermentino, white Grenache, Roussanne)

10-months ageing in oak barrels. An exceptional wine, its unique combination of grapes giving it a fruity nose – principally the buttery, slightly grilled William’s pear. Powerful, with a good length.

Red: Les Embruns (70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan)

10-months ageing in oak barrels. Black robe, subtle aromas; spicy, peppery flavours towards the end.

Red cadières (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan)

A unique wine, with complex aromas, liquorice flavour at the end. Decant before serving.

White cadieres (Vermentino, white Grenache, Roussanne)

A generous, straw-coloured wine with delicate aromas, this full-bodied white can be kept for several years.

Rosé (10% Syrah, 90% Cinsault)

Generous in both aroma and body, this wine is perfect with spicy and exotic meals

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Wine making

When putting his wines together, Bertrand tries to achieve a structure that will bring out the most subtle and complex flavour. His knowledge and expertise are essential for the 18 months’ aging process, which takes place in a cool underground cellar, right at the heart of the estate. The oak barrels are custom-made, carefully selected for each of the wines produced.

Wine growing

For the care of his vines, Bertrand de MORTILLET prefers organic methods (no fertilizer or pesticides), restricting the yield and using his experience in biodynamic cultivation to bring out the “fat of the land” in his wines. The wines of La Prose are made from carefully selected grapes, harvested by hand.