Languedoc-Roussillon
Allegria, Pézenas
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Perched on the first hills of the Haut Languedoc, the Allegria winery has stunning panoramic views overlooking the plains below that stretch to the Mediterranean and to the Montagne Noire to the west. On a clear day, the snow capped peaks of the Pyrenees can also be seen in the distance.
This promising new winery was created in 2008 with the purchase of 9 hectares of vines by Ghislain and Delphine d’Aboville, and Roberto de la Mota, one of the most respected Argentinian oenologists. The winery has already caught the eye of critics, and their Tribu d’A white wine received a star in the reputed Guide Hachette des Vins 2011, with a “very successful wine” mention. Certainly the first in a long list of awards to come for this gem of a vineyard.
Allegria is one of the first Languedoc wineries created that is completely respectful of the environment. The 9 hectares of vines are in the final stages of being organically certified, and the new wine making and storing buildings have been designed with the same philosophy; a grass roof, rainwater collecting tank, solar paneled electricity…
The vineyards are planted with a nice mix of Mediterranean grape varietals; a majority of Syrah, lots of Mourvèdre, a few acres of Cinsault and a small plot of Carignan.
Create your own barrel of wine to your taste and in your image at Allegria with the Gourmet Odyssey Micro-Cuvée Experience
Region
Languedoc Roussillon is a stunning region where the vines and Mediterranean Sea meet. Stretching from the edge of Nîmes to the Spanish border, its vineyards make up the largest wine growing region in France.
The past few years have seen a real transformation of Languedoc Roussillon with the arrival of a new generation of winemakers, united in their aim of improving the quality of their wine whilst being more respectful to the land that provides their livelihood. Today, Languedoc Roussillon has the largest surface area of organic vines in France.
At the moment, a reclassification of the Languedoc wines is in process, the best areas being designated as “Grand Cru”.
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The Winemakers Welcome You...Ghislain and Delphine d’Aboville form part of the group of young, talented winemakers from the region that are improving the quality and perception of Languedoc wine.
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Gourmet Odyssey Micro-Cuvée clients can choose the composition of grape varietals and quantities used in making their custom wine from the grapes and vineyard plots cultivated at Allegria. Clients can choose from:
- Syrah (3 plots): aroma of red and black fruits (raspberry, blueberry, blackberry), flowers (violet) and spices (pepper, mint, liquorice).
- Mourvèdre: Peppery and tannic, helps to bring length to the wine.
- Carignan: Ripe fruits, and hints of toast and grilled almonds. Helps develop the complexity of the wine.
The wines are fermented and aged by grape variety and vineyard plot in both concrete vats and oak barrels. By blending the wine from the vats and barrels, the blended wine gains in complexity. The wine aged in the vats has more fruit, and is fresher. The wine from the barrels has more depth and structure, marked with spicy and peppery aromas. The blending brings together these distinct aromatic profiles to create a well-balanced wine with a potential of laying down.
The wines are generally aged for 6-10 months before being bottled.
Getting There
By Plane
The closest airport is Montpellier, which is about a one hour drive away. Flights are available from the UK, Belgium and Spain.
At the end of May 2011, Flybe are due to start operating flights to Béziers from the UK and Ireland from the end of May. Ryanair also have a limited service from Germany and the UK to Béziers. Béziers airport is about 45 minutes from Allegria.
Other airport options are Carcasonne and Nîmes, both about 1 hour 20 minutes drive away, and Marseille and Toulouse (2 hours 20).
By Car
The distances and times below are estimated using GoogleMaps from the city centre to Domaine Allegria, lieu-dit Fontarêche, Caux 34720.
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Depart |
KM |
Miles |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toulouse | 214 | 133 | 2h 15 |
| Marseille | 236 | 146 | 2h 29 |
| Barcelona | 314 | 195 | 3h 09 |
| Lyon | 369 | 229 | 3h 38 |
| Bordeaux | 454 | 282 | 4h 17 |
| Geneva | 515 | 320 | 4h 53 |
| Paris | 735 | 457 | 6h 46 |
| Milan | 707 | 439 | 6h 56 |
| Rennes | 905 | 562 | 8h 20 |
| Calais | 1 022 | 635 | 9h 20 |
| Brussels | 1 038 | 645 | 9h 44 |
Accommodation
| Price | Name | Address | Distance to Winery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-90 | Hôtel le Grand Molière |
place 14 juillet, 34120 Pézenas |
10km / 7m |
| 100-165 | Hostellerie de Saint-Alban |
31 route d'Agde, Nézignan l'Evêque, 34120 Pézenas +33 (0)4 67 98 11 38 |
10km / 7m |
Near By Attractions
- Pézenas – Historic town famous for art, considered to be the Saint Emillion of the Languedoc region. Step back in time at the Scénovision museum dedicated to the life and works of Molière who started his career in Pézenas
- Marseillan – Visit the picturesque fishing port and beach and laze away your day. Enjoy the oysters and fresh seafood
- Salagou Lake – Walk in the stunning landscape around the lake and Cirque de Mourèze.
Links
Languedoc Roussillon Regional Tourist Office: http://www.languedoc.visite.org/
Hérault Departmental Tourist Office : http://www.herault-tourisme.com/
Pézenas Local Tourist Office : http://www.ot-pezenas-valdherault.com/
Agrandir le plan
Gourmet Odyssey welcomes Allegria!
It’s in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, near the village of Pézenas, that Gourmet Odyssey discovered the Allegria winery, perched in a picture postcard setting.
On the slopes of the ancient Baumes volcano, the 9 hectares of vineyard are planted with the main Mediterranean grape varietals that give the distinct taste to the Coteaux du Languedoc Pézenas wines.
At the head of true tribe, the winemaker Ghislain d’Aboville makes it a point of honour to create his wines with respect to this special terroir between the sea and mountains, in harmony with nature. The 2011 vintage will be the first to be officially certified organic.
1 - Product
2 - Range
3 - Region
4 - Producer
5 - Season
6 - Vines
From 149 €
