The south of France is a joyful place for a wine lover – it’s sunny, mountainous and aromatic, scented with the garrigues – the wild herbs of the region (like oregano, thyme and rosemary), notes of which can be found in the red wines in particular.

Traditionally dominated by large co-operatives making bulk wine, the vinous identity of the Languedoc has evolved over the past two decades, with many new small independent wineries making quality wine in small batches.

One of these is Domaine La Lauzeta. It was founded in 2015 by Englishman Tom Hills, after he purchased two dry-farmed vineyards on the schist hillsides of Saint-Chinian, the Languedoc, France, combined them, and began organic conversion on day one.

Tom’s man on the ground is vineyard manager and winemaker Florian Bruneau. Though still only in his early 30s, he has made wine in Champagne, Burgundy, Corsica, Napa Valley and the Barossa. He is passionate about sustainability, organics, biodynamics and low-intervention winemaking, and is
a talented winemaker and an energetic force.

Florian and Tom are ambitiously developing their domaine. To the existing Grenache, Syrah and Carignan vines, they have added Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Vermentino, Grenache Gris and Macabeu. Lauzeta’s wines have garnered good reviews from eminent wine critics Jancis Robinson, Tamlyn Currin and Jeb Dunnock, and are listed at 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in France.

These are wines with great gastronomic potential, so we’ve worked with chef Francis Woolf to create a gastronomic event – a seven-course menu of food and wine. You can choose an omnivorous or vegetarian menu, which will be released shortly. Florian will introduce the estate and the wines, as we bring the South of France to NR2.

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The Wine Flight

‘Jauzimen’ rosé 2021
Unfiltered, just pink dry Grenache/Syrah blend. Apricot kernel, strawberry, marzipan.

‘Corteza’ blanc 2022
Vermentino & Grenache Gris. Lemon, almond, wet stones

‘Mezura’ rosé 2021
Full-bodied & aged in an acacia barrel. Raspberry, nectarine, woody spice.

‘Corteza’ rouge 2020
Vibrant, fruity and herbal Syrah/Carignan/Grenache blend. Plum, cherry,
rosemary, pine

‘Mezura’ rouge 2016
Full-bodied & slightly saline. Blackberry, fennel, lobster shells.

‘La Lauzeta’ rouge 2016
Top red from the estate, using only the best barrels. Prune, lavender, thyme.

‘Jauzimen’ rosé 2022
Round off the evening with a taste of the new vintage.