Grapes and Vineyard
The estate’s organically farmed vineyards, rooted in sandy and gravelly soils, produce wines that express the rich terroir of Lalande-de-Pomerol. The 2001 vintage represents the culmination of decades of dedication to traditional and sustainable winemaking practices. Grapes are carefully selected and nurtured, ensuring the best possible quality for each vintage.
Winemaking
The 2001 vintage was aged for 22 months in concrete tanks, a technique that preserves the wine’s natural character without filtration. Domaine de Viaud avoids thermoregulation, allowing the wine to evolve slowly and develop its complexity over time.
Appearance
Deep garnet with brick-red reflections, indicative of its maturity.
Nose
Aromas of dried red fruits, truffle, forest floor, and subtle tobacco, showing remarkable evolution with time. Earthy notes combined with a touch of leather and spice add layers of complexity.
Palate
On the palate, this wine is smooth and elegant, with well-integrated tannins. Flavours of dried cherries, blackcurrant, and plum are complemented by hints of cedar, mushroom, and graphite. The finish is long, with a gentle, lingering savouriness that reflects the wine's aging potential.
Food pairing
Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, game, or mushroom-based dishes.
Background story
Domaine de Viaud, located in Lalande-de-Pomerol, covers 13 hectares of organically farmed vineyards (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc) on sandy and gravelly soils. The estate, founded in the 1940s by Marius Bielle, is known for producing exceptional Merlot-based wines. Lucette Bielle, Marius's youngest daughter, took over the estate in 1982 and has been the driving force behind its renowned wines for decades. Lucette has been dedicated to traditional and sustainable practices, achieving AB and Biodyvin
certification for the estate.
The vineyard employs natural grass cover and protects the vines with herbal teas, plant decoctions, and minimal sulphur and copper. Lucette's minimal intervention approach
in the winery avoids thermoregulation and filtration, allowing the wines to age in concrete tanks for 22 months, developing their natural character.
Domaine de Viaud's philosophy of holding back vintages began with Marius, who faced minimal yields from 1955 to 1960. After this time, he stored stocks of exceptional vintages to balance out difficult years, a practice continued by Lucette and now her son, Damien. Damien returned to the family property in 2020 after gaining experience at prestigious estates across Bordeaux, bringing fresh insights and continuing the family’s legacy. Domaine de Viaud remains committed to producing wines that reflect the true essence of their terroir and the dedication of the Bielle family.