Villa Soleilla

An orange wine from the Languedoc that shows what happens when you vinify white wine like red wine: maceration time, amphora maturation, texture.

Gérard Bertrand is one of the most influential figures in southern French winemaking. His winery practices biodynamic viticulture, and the Villa Soleilla line represents a return to ancient vinification techniques—amphorae instead of stainless steel tanks or barriques, contact between must and grape skins for weeks instead of hours.

In the glass, an amber-colored, slightly hazy gold. On the nose, dried apricot, beeswax, and honey, along with the typical garrigue herbal aromas of the Languedoc scrubland—thyme, rosemary, and a hint of lavender. On the palate, full-bodied with noticeable tannin structure—unusual for a white wine, but expected for an orange wine. The finish is long, slightly tart, and spicy.

• Temperature: 14–16 °C — cool, but not cold
• Food: Grilled lamb with herbs, hummus and flatbread, spicy tagine or aged goat cheese
• Occasion: For all those seeking a white wine with bite and depth