Guide Oenotourisme Béziers 2018 Oenotourisme Béziers 2018 | Page 43

Domaine PIERRE-BELLE A FAMILY FEEL If you take the D909 from Béziers to Lieuran, you cannot miss the Domaine Pierre Belle and its hospitable and spacious cellar, open every day except Sunday. Their wines are complex, powerful and el egant. GLOSSARY HVE - Haute valeur environnementale HVE - haute valeur environnementale (High Environmental Value) It is the highest of the 3 levels of environmental certification in France for agriculture. They’ve been winegrowers here for 5 generations, since great-grandfather Pierre Escarret created the domaine. Why Pierre Belle? Because Pierre is the first name of its founder and because “it’s a fine family story” says Gilles, one of the 4 cousins in charge of the estate today. If you look at the family tree, you will find Pierre’s son, Gérard. The latter had two daughters, each of which had 2 sons, David and Olivier Fernandez, and Gilles and Cédric Laguna. Finally, the family has recently welcomed a new generation with the arrival of David’s son, Julien. And so you have it, the family portrait. While some are concerned with the winemaking and commercial side of things, others watch over the vines. In this way they complement each other to promote the quality of their wines. At Pierre Belle, they look after their guests and keep an eye on the future, hence the innovation. This is illustrated by the “2020” vintage, the 20th of the range, and those who have tried it readily award it a 20 out of 20. With no added sulphite, it is “a real technical challenge, according to Gilles. There is one slight disadvantage though - you have to drink it quickly! But is that really a problem? It has to be said that the domaine is certified High Environmental Value because the family story continues on another domaine in another terroir with Florence, Gille’s wife. All their wines benefit from this quality and are classified as IGP Coteaux de 43 Béziers. There is also one AOC St Chinian appellation available at the winery shop... Because the family saga continues, in another domaine, on other soils with Florence, Gilles’s wife. You could call it a labour of love, a bit like David’s favourite vintage, the “6 de Coeur”, the top-of-the- range red of the Pierre Belle domaine, assembled with 6 different varieties. On site, events and walks through the vineyards can be organised by appointment. You can trust them to communicate this passion to visitors, because passing on their know-how is something of a family tradition! 14, RUE DES PEYRALLES – 34290 LIEURAN-LES-BEZIERS 04 67 49 17 96 - domainepierrebelle.com Domaine de Pierre Belle Winery shop open year round from Monday to Saturday LA VIGNE GOURMANDE A restaurant established in a peace- ful setting in Béziers, with a gastro- nomic menu created from fresh local produce and 100% homemade. The perfect place for a lunch or romantic dinner. 67, avenue du Président Wilson 34500 Béziers 04 67 76 56 73 ou 06 07 60 17 32 lavignegourmande.com La Vigne Gourmande