Presentation
Located between Nîmes and Montpellier, Domaine Saint Jean de l’Arbousier is a former Templar estate dating back to 1235, perched on the heights of Castries. For four generations, the Viguier family has cultivated this 40-hectare vineyard, nestled within a 110-hectare estate of garrigue and strawberry trees. Thanks to clay-limestone soils and maritime influences, the red wines combine structure and finesse, while the whites reveal striking minerality. Grenache and Syrah are vinified with long macerations to extract silky tannins and aromas of garrigue and sweet spices. Ageing takes place in large oak vats and amphorae, adding complexity without masking the fruit’s freshness. A distinctive feature of the estate: a pioneering commitment to organic farming, certified since 2013, and wines with a bold Mediterranean identity, where the garrigue expresses itself in every cuvée.
Terroir
Red clay-limestone hillside soils formed from Oligocene conglomerates.
In the vineyard
Quality approach: the estate is committed to sustainable development. Since April 2010, production has shifted from integrated farming to certified organic agriculture. Short pruning and careful clone selection help limit yields (35 hl/ha). Frequent plowing avoids chemical weeding. In spring, high trellising is practiced to improve leaf exposure, enhancing photosynthesis and grape ripening. Copper and sulfur treatments are adapted to each situation, with interventions kept to a strict minimum. This environmentally respectful viticulture improves grape quality and meets modern consumer expectations for food safety and sustainability.
Harvest
Mechanical harvest.
Winemaking
Vinification is carried out by grape variety and by plot. Fermentation takes place under temperature control. The grape varieties are then blended to create the final cuvée.
Ageing
Aged for several months in tank.
Varietals
Syrah : 70%
Grenache : 20%
Mourvèdre : 10%
Specifications
Serving
Serving Temperature 16 to 18°C
Ageing potential
2 to 3 years
Tasting
Deep red robe with purplish highlights. A powerful and complex nose with red fruits such as raspberry, spices, and licorice. On the palate, the wine is rich and rounded, with spicy red fruit, menthol notes, smooth texture, and silky tannins.
Food pairings
A highly versatile wine, it will charm you throughout the entire meal. It pairs beautifully with white meats, enhancing their delicate flavors with finesse and balance.
