The Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian domaine , covering 32 hectares, is today composed of 43 different plots, all preserved for their geological diversity and exposure.
The red grape varieties (40% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault) benefit from three different soil types. These include soils composed of Villafranchian limestone and clay-limestone, basalt from volcanic flows, and a third clay-siliceous soil made up of white quartz pebbles and travertine.
The white grape varieties, divided between Roussanne (50%), Grenache Blanc (20%), Vermentino (15%) and Clairette (10%), have a soil composed of Miocene limestone whose active limestone content approaches that of great white wine terroirs such as Chablis or Meursault.
At Prieuré Saint-Jean-de-Bébian, history is ever-present. The Cistercian monks, who arrived in the 11th century, began cultivating vines as early as 1152 on these Pézenas terroirs. Several prominent figures in Languedoc winemaking have succeeded one another at the helm of this iconic estate, beginning with Alain Roux, who in the 1970s planted exceptional vines, notably sourcing Syrah from Domaine Gérard Chave, Grenache from Château Rayas, and Mourvèdre from Domaine Tempier. Beyond this remarkable botanical heritage, the estate benefits from a mosaic of soils, plots, exposures, and microclimates. The ambition today is to breathe new life into the Priory and revive the great wines of the past.
The domaine continues to practice traditional viticulture and hand-harvesting to ensure the utmost respect for its vines. Located in the heart of the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation, the estate's massal selection vineyards are classified as "Cru Pézenas ." The recent arrival of the young Benoît Pontenier has allowed the cru to rise to the level it deserves! With Demeter certification and the elimination of SO2, the wines have never been so approachable, floral, and relaxed.
The wines produced, very Mediterranean in style, both powerful and balanced, are best enjoyed after long aging, starting at around ten years. They have a very good capacity to age harmoniously, remaining generous and refined.
