Caroline de Beaulieu Selections

The vineyards of Languedoc constitute the most extensive wine-growing region in the world, spread over mountain slopes, hillsides, scrubland, terraces, plains and coastline. Specifically it stretches from Nimes in the east to Carcassonne in the west, with the edge of the Massif Central lying to its north. Most of the southern part of the region spreads on to the shores of the Mediterranean, and it is separated from Spain only the eastern slopes of the Pyrenees. It takes the form of a vast, crescent-shaped amphitheater, facing the sea. The vine, certainly the most widely grown plant here, yields generously and from this, man has been able to create vines to satisfy the tastes of all wine-lovers, whether simple or sophisticated.

The terroir of this area is the result of a long geological adventure that has left the region with a richly varied heritage. The highly complex and mountainous terrain descends swiftly to the sea, which borders most of the region. There is an exceptionally dense network of rivers in this area which, during certain periods, deposit extensive, thick layers of pebbles in the area that has directly contributed to the formation of high quality wine growing terroirs. The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and dry summers. The winds from the sea, moderate the adverse effects of the heat and bring beneficial humidity to the vines. The diversity of mescoclimates and microclimates and the great variety of soils are two important features of this region. They account for both its rich agricultural potential and the reason why wine growing is its prime vocation. Unlike the other locations of France, vines grow well everywhere in Languedoc and so it is not surprising that more then 40 per cent of the country's wine is produced here.

The history of the vine in the Languedoc goes back more than 2500 years. Greek amphoras, richly ornate Etruscan and Ionian drinking vessels, and Roman wine goblets unearthed at numerous archeological sites show proof of this. This was the first region in France to be touched by the Greek-Roman wine-growing civilization. The vineyards so quickly became prosperous that Rome was forced to take protectionist measures and in 92AD the Emperor Domitian issued a decree ordering half of all the provincial vineyards of the Roman empire to be destroyed. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 412, the Visigoths and then the Arabs occupied this territory until 759. During this time there was a long period of decline for this wine region. It wasn't until the 9th century that the church played a large part in replanting and cultivating the vineyards. The Lagrasse abbey in Corbieries, the abbey at Caunes-Minervois, and the Aniane and Saint-Chinian abbeys in Herault were jointly responsible for the return of the vine to Languedoc.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the wine trade in Languedoc continued to develop. Wine began to be exported to Italy, the Eastern Mediterranean, Flanders and England, and these markets became one of the prime motives for wine growing in the region. The building of the French railway system in the 19th century opened up new markets in the entire Kingdom of France.

Today when one describes the character of the different wines of this region, generalizations are forgotten and each individual terroir as well as the vinification methods and winemaking styles of the individual winemakers are considered.

Caroline de Beaulieu is well known and respected as a winemaker of prominance in France, and more specifically in the Languedoc Ð Vin de Pays d'0c region which produces two thirds of the vin de pays of France. Caroline has been an oenologist and winemaker for 20 years and a representative/dealer for over 10 years. Not only does she have her own vineyards and wines, she represents some 50 small private estates who would otherwise never be known to the rest of the world. These wineries commit themselves, under contract, to the highest standards, from the management of the vineyards to the vinification, to the aging and bottling.

Caroline's agricultural engineer is responsible for the quality of standards in the cultivation, pruning, thinning of the leaves, and conditions of the vineyards, for all the wineries involved. A crop date is decided after agreement by all the wineries involved and the grapes are hand picked only when fully ripe.

All the winemaking is carried out under the control and advice of their oenologist Eugene Sanchez; the grapes are always destemmed and each estate's grapes are vinified, aged and bottled separately. Vinification is done according to the product they wish to obtain, temperatures are permanently controlled, and the wines are aged in vats or barrels and then in the bottles for a minimum of 1 year.

Caroline produces only upscale products and has a high quality image for her work in winemaking.

Caroline de Beaulieu Selections
Languedoc Roussilon

Caroline de Beaulieu - Elegance
This beautiful wine is made from 40% Chardonnay, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Viognier hand-harvested grapes. Each varietal is vinified separately and then combined and aged in stainless steel. This lovely wine has a bright golden color with aromas reminiscent of citrus fruits and apricots. The taste is soft and silky and well balanced with persistent fruity flavors. Compliments shellfish, light meats and cheeses, or to enjoy simply as a sipping wine. Serve chilled.




Domaine du Pain de Sucre Chardonnay
In the middle of the vineyard located in the hills above Limoux, influenced by the climate of the Mediterranean, stands a lone cedar tree in the shape of a sugar bread. Thus Caroline has named this estate Domaine du Pain de Sucre Ð The Estate of the Sugarbread Tree. This lovely wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It has a brilliant golden color with a typically beautiful Chardonnay aroma, a fine buttery taste and well-balanced flavors. A fine compliment to fish in sauces, chicken and cheeses as well as to enjoy as an elegant sipping wine. Serve chilled.

Domaine du Pain de Sucre Pinot noir
Made from 100% Pinot Noir hand-harvested grapes, this beautiful wine has a deep ruby red color tending to brick around the edges. After three weeks of maceration, the wine is aged for one year in oak barrels. It has powerful aromas of blackberries, vanilla and truffles, is characteristically elegant and charming with silky tannins, with hints of almonds and a long finish. Compliments game, foul, and red meats. Serve at room temperature.




Chateau Gaubert Corbieres "Les Rondez-Vous"
This Chateau is situated in the heart of Corbieres, 30-km southwest of the medieval city of Carcassone. This beautiful red wine is made from 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, hand-harvested grapes. After the vinification is completed, the wine is aged in oak barrels with an additional 1 year aging in the bottle. The result is a beautiful ruby red colored wine with brilliant reflections, elegant tannins with notes of blackberries, a balanced concentration and a long finish. Compliments red meats, foul, and braised veal. Serve at room temperature.




Domaine de Pailheres - Merlot
This domaine is situated in the hills, 3km from Limoux, where the Mediterranean climate favorably influences this grape varietal. The grapes are hand-harvested, macerated for about 10Ð15 days and fermented under controlled temperatures. The result is this beautiful red wine with aromas reminiscent of bell peppers and red fruits. It has a full fruity taste with aromatic tannins. Compliments all types of meals. Serve at room temperature.




Domaine de Pailheres Syrah
The southern part of the wine growing area of Languedoc spreads on to the shores of the Mediterranean and is separated from Spain only by the eastern slopes of the Pyrenees on which the Corbieres vineyards are located. Here the Syrah, grown in argilo-calcareous soil, benefits from the Mediterranean climate of mild winters and dry summers. The winds from the Mediterranean Sea moderate the adverse effects of the heat and bring beneficial humidity to the vines. The grapes are hand harvested, macerated for about 10-15 days and fermented under controlled temperatures Only 30% of the juice is aged in barrique in order not to overpower the natural flavors of the fruit. The result is a beautiful deep garnet colored wine with an intense aroma of violets and red fruits. It is a well-structured wine with silky tannins, good balance and flavors of spices and berries. It is a perfect accompaniment to roasted or grilled meats and cheeses. Serve at room temperature.

Chateau La Croix Martelle - Minervois
Caroline's conviction of the high quality of the wines of Minervois La Liviniere and their commercial future among the very best Appellations, has prompted her to buy Chateau La Croix Martelle. From these vineyards she produces two different cuvees.




Cuvee des Oliviers Made from 40% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, 23% Grenache and 12% Mourvedre hand-harvested grapes from vineyards situated outside the village of Siran in Minervois. This is a beautiful ruby red wine with aromas of cooked and candied fruits. A fine compliment to chicken, foul, cold cuts and cheeses. Serve at room temperature.



Cuvee de Toscane This lovely wine is made from 25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and 25% Mourvedre hand-harvested grapes obtained from vineyards in the heart of the cru Liviniere in Minervois. Aged 12 months in oak barrels and an additional 6 months in the bottle results in an elegantly beautiful wine that is rich in fruit with hints of vanilla, licorice and cloves with a good balance and smooth finish. This powerful red wine will compliment many types of foods. Serve at room temperature.