Presentation
Located just outside Montpellier, on a terrace of rolled pebbles, Domaine D’Isnard is a family-run estate led by Ludovic Rouquairol. Heir to a winemaking tradition passed down through seven generations, he continues to honor this heritage while modernizing practices to elevate the estate’s exceptional terroir. The vineyard spans 40 hectares bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, offering ideal conditions for cultivating emblematic red grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan. The vines, deeply rooted in stony soils, benefit from excellent water regulation, ensuring optimal ripeness of the grapes. The wines of Domaine D’Isnard reveal a generous and finely structured bouquet, marked by notes of dark fruits, spices, and garrigue. Carefully crafted vinifications highlight the balance between power and freshness, resulting in cuvées with silky tannins and beautiful aromatic complexity. A must-visit estate for lovers of authentic and expressive Mediterranean wines.
Location
Domaine D’Isnard is located just outside Montpellier, on terraces of rolled pebbles typical of the Languedoc region. The warm, sunny Mediterranean climate promotes excellent ripening while preserving freshness. The stony soils ensure good drainage and ideal water regulation for Viognier, a demanding yet expressive grape variety.
Terroir
Stony, well-drained soils with red clay and limestone on gently sloping terrain.
In the vineyard
The vines are cultivated using environmentally respectful practices, including soil work, natural cover cropping, and minimal inputs. Yields are controlled around 45 hl/ha to ensure concentration and balance. Grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, often early in the morning to preserve aromatic freshness.
Harvest
Manual harvest with careful selection.
Winemaking
Gentle direct pressing of whole clusters. Cold settling for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperatures (16–18°C) in stainless steel tanks to preserve Viognier’s primary aromas. No malolactic fermentation is carried out to maintain the wine’s liveliness. Aged on fine lees for 3 to 4 months with light stirring.
Ageing
Aged in stainless steel tanks for 3 to 4 months on fine lees. No oak ageing to preserve aromatic purity.
Varietal
Viognier : 100%
Serving
Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C
Ageing potential
2 to 3 years
Tasting
Viognier Gourmande displays a pale yellow robe with golden highlights. The nose is intense and charming, with notes of white peach, apricot, orange blossom, and honey. On the palate, the attack is round and generous, balanced by a refreshing lift that enhances the wine’s aromatic richness. The finish is indulgent, fruity, and delicately honeyed.
Food pairings
This Viognier pairs beautifully with lightly spiced exotic dishes, grilled fish, shellfish, and fresh cheeses. It also complements citrus-based summer salads and sea bream ceviche, bringing freshness and aromatic depth to every bite.