Soujeole
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3 to 10 years from the vintage release, allowing the firm structure of the Cabernet Franc to soften and develop complex earthy nuances.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Classic Languedoc cassoulet, grilled ribeye steak with herbs, or roasted rack of lamb.
✨ Technical Specifications
Domaine de la Soujeole, nestled near the historic medieval city of Carcassonne and the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, represents a fascinating climatic crossroads within the Malepere AOC of western Languedoc. Here, the warm Mediterranean breezes meet the cooling, humid influences of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique microclimate dictates a distinctive grape blend dominated by Cabernet Franc, complemented by Merlot and Malbec. Gerard Bertrand crafts this cuvee to reflect this dual nature, utilizing traditional vinification and careful aging in French oak barrels. The result is a wine of exceptional structure and elegance, rich with notes of dark berries, subtle herbaceous undertones, and refined spices, embodying the rugged beauty and historical depth of the Cathar country.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1992 by former French international rugby player Gérard Bertrand following the legacy of his father Georges at Domaine de Villemajou, the estate has emerged as an undisputed pioneer of fine wine in the Languedoc. Headquartered at the coastal Château l'Hospitalet within the limestone massif of La Clape, Bertrand orchestrates over 900 hectares of vineyard land across premium terroirs spanning Corbières, Minervois-La-Livinière, Terrasses du Larzac, and Limoux. The enterprise represents the world’s largest producer of Demeter-certified biodynamic wines, guided by regenerative viticulture, lunar cycles, and chemical-free soil stewardship. Cellar craftsmanship combines precise temperature control, indigenous ferments, and tailored French oak maturation to articulate South of France typicity. Benchmark releases range from iconic single-vineyard crus such as Clos d'Ora, Clos du Temple, and Cigalus to vibrant, terroir-driven white and red bottlings, alongside celebrated Mediterranean cuvées like Côte des Roses.