Villa Noria, Les Colombiers, Pays d'Oc, Chardonnay exhibits a bright yellow hue with golden highlights. Its bouquet unfolds aromas of white-fleshed and exotic fruits, underpinned by subtle vanilla notes. On the palate, it is supple and generous, delivering rich, ample volume with pronounced ripe white fruit character. The finish is distinguished by toasted nuances and a delicate brioche touch, offering a sophisticated and well-rounded tasting experience.

About the Producer

Villa Noria is the story of two wine enthusiasts: Fabien Gross and Cédric Arnaud, who both grew up in the viticultural regions of Languedoc and Alsace respectively, and were surrounded by vineyards and winemaking heritage. The inheritance left by their winemaking ancestors, was passion and a deep respect for the land, and Villa Noria is the result of overflowing enthusiasm, ethics and values. Located a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, between Pézenas and Montagnac, they produce elegant organic wines, from HVE Level 3 certified vines that are cultivated in perfect harmony with nature. The winemaking is traditional, without chemical additions and low doses of sulphur. Their natural ranges ‘Amfòra’ and ‘Basic Instinct’ are vinified without the addition of sulphur, while the Levin 0% offers a delicious zero-alcohol option.

Vineyard and Winery

The Chardonnay grapes come from the ‘Les Colombiers’ named plot (lieu-dit) which is located at the bottom of a volcanic hillside. This volcanic terroir has basaltic soils, which is formed from cooled, hardened, and weathered lava, which contains high proportions of iron imparting the wine with distinctive minerality. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm, dry summers and relatively mild winters offers excellent conditions in which the Chardonnay vines flourish. The high number of sunshine hours results in wines that are powerful, rich and aromatic, but also fresh due to the tempering effects of the maritime influence from the Mediterranean Sea. The vines are pruned according to the Guyot method. The vineyard is certified organic and sustainable practices are employed in the vineyard. The vines are surrounded by hedges, to protect them from pesticide treatments in the neighbouring fields and also to provide a refuge for the wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and creating a balance. Harvested in the cool of the night to retain freshness.

The carefully selected grapes were received into the winery via gravity and immediately pressed to extract the juice. Fermentation took place with natural, wild yeasts present on the grape’s skin, at low temperatures of 15°C in French oak barrels. The wine was aged on its lees in new 500-litre French oak barrels for six months, with monthly bâtonnage imparting a creamy texture.