In 2015, Englishman Tom Hills bought two dry-farmed vineyards 2015 on the schist soils of Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez. This tiny village is situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in the Saint-Chinian region of the Languedoc, 45 minutes’ drive from Béziers.
The two vineyards had previously been tended by growers who sold to the local co-operative, and Tom acquired 35-year-old Syrah and Grenache Noir vines, and 50 year-old Carignan.
He saw the potential of Saint Chinian to make high quality wines single origin wines, so combined the two vineyards to create Domaine La Lauzeta, and immediately began organic conversion, which was completed in 2019; since 2022 the estate has also been certified biodynamic.
Tom has planted new vines, including Grenache Blanc and Rolle/Vermentino to make white wine, and Cinsault to help moderate the alcohol levels in the red and rosé.
La Lauzeta wines quickly gained recognition, garnering praise from wine luminaries Jancis Robinson, Tamlyn Currin and Jeb Dunnuck. Before the pandemic, the wines were listed at 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris.
We are proud to be the sole UK importer and distributor of La Lauzeta wines.
Thanks to Milie Del for the images – www.miliedel.com