Languedoc Merlot · Pays d'Oc
Bernard and Béatrice Nivollet left Paris in 1995 to build a wine estate from scratch, parcel by parcel — this Merlot comes from 20-year-old vines on a cool, north-facing hillside near the Hérault River.
13.5% ABV75clMerlotNo Oak — Stainless Steel Aged
Heritage
🏆Family-Owned Since 1995
🏆First Vintage Awarded 2 Stars, Guide Hachette
Bernard and Béatrice Nivollet relocated from Paris in 1995 with a vision of crafting single-parcel Languedoc wines, settling near Pézenas. Their first vintage, released in 1998, was awarded two stars in the Guide Hachette, France's leading wine guide.
Tasting Profile
CherryPlumVioletLiquoriceVanilla
Pairs Well With
🍗Roast Chicken
An easy, everyday match
🍝Pasta Bolognese
Fruit matches the tomato sauce
🧲Charcuterie
Soft tannins, easy company
🍕Pizza Night
Simple, generous, crowd-pleasing
Perfect With Chocolate
At a Glance
Origin
Pézenas, Languedoc, France
Estate
Château Haut-Blanville, founded 1995
Vines
20-year-old, north-facing hillside
Winemaking
Hand-harvested, 10-day maceration, stainless steel
Questions
Why no oak ageing?
The estate keeps this Merlot entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve its primary fruit character and freshness, rather than layering in oak-driven vanilla and spice from barrel ageing.
What's the story behind the estate?
Bernard and Béatrice Nivollet moved from Paris to the Languedoc in 1995 at 45 years old, deciding to build a wine estate from scratch rather than buy an existing one — identifying individual parcels one at a time before releasing their first vintage in 1998.
Why is it planted on a north-facing hillside?
The cooler aspect, shaded by the hill and surrounding trees, slows ripening slightly and helps preserve the acidity and freshness that define this style of Merlot.
Delivery
⚡ 30–45 min across Greater London
📦 Next-day UK-wide
🎁 Gift wrap available at checkout
18+ Please enjoy Château Haut-Blanville responsibly. For guidance and support, visit
drinkaware.co.uk.
