The history of the Saint Jean de Bébian Priory Estate
From the Roman Empire to the present day
The domainSaint John of Bébian PrioryThe estate has existed, so to speak, since time immemorial. Traces of the property can be found as far back as the Roman Empire, as confirmed by the discovery of Roman pottery and coins. Indeed, the vineyard is said to have been given to the Roman centurion Bébianus as a reward for his battles in the first century. The estate then passed into the hands of monks who built a priory in 1152 and purchased the surrounding vineyards. Traces of the wine cellar from that period have even been found, evidence of their winemaking activity as early as the 12th century. Several owners have succeeded one another at the helm of the Prieuré Saint-Jean de Bébian estate. Among the most recent is the Roux family, who acquired the property in 1952. From the 1970s onwards, they undertook significant transformations, planting noble grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, while preserving local varieties (Cinsault and Carignan).
Then, in 1991, the estate was bought by former owners of RVF (the famous Revue Française des Vins). Finally, in 2008, the estate passed into the hands of a Russian owner.Alexander PumpyanskyThe successive periods of glory of the Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian estate have elevated it to the status of a myth, a true elite of theLanguedoc-Roussillon.
The multiple plots of land of the Domaine Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian
When geological diversity and unique know-how meet
The domainPriory of Saint John of Bébian,large32 hectares, is currently composed of43 plotsdifferent, all preserved for their geological diversity and exposure. Thus, the estate produces 4 red wines, 2 whites and 2 rosés, each grape variety benefiting from a specific terroir, ideal for its development.
The red grape varieties (40% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault) benefit from three different soil types. These include soils composed of Villafranchian limestone and clay-limestone, basalt from volcanic flows, and a third clay-siliceous soil made up of white quartz pebbles and travertine.
The white grape varieties, divided between Roussanne (50%), Grenache Blanc (20%), Vermentino (15%) and Clairette (10%), have a soil composed of Miocene limestone whose active limestone content approaches that of great white wine terroirs such as Chablis or Meursault.
The rosé grape varieties are planted on Villafranchian gravel.
To get the best from each of these plots,Alexander PumpyanskyThe winery has invested heavily. Indeed, the winery has been equipped with new tanks, 23 concrete and 14 stainless steel, to allow for the separate vinification of each of the 43 plots. An investment has also been made in remote-controlled grape harvesting bins to preserve the integrity of the grapes until they reach the tanks.
The Domaine Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian is among the elite
An ancestral know-how still acclaimed today
Proud of its ancestral origins, the estateSaint John of Bébian Priorycontinues to practice traditional viticulture and manual harvesting in order to respect its vines as much as possible. Located in the heart of the appellationCoteaux du LanguedocThe wines from the estate are of such high quality that it has been awarded the title of classified vineyard inCru Pézenas.The estate has therefore made the choice toexcellenceby opting for mass selection from the largest estates, an in-depth study of the soils, and the recruitment of a renowned oenologist.Karen Turner,An Australian oenologist joined the Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian estate in 2004 and contributed her highly specialized expertise.
The wines produced, very Mediterranean in style, both powerful and balanced, are best enjoyed after long aging, starting at around ten years. They have a very good capacity to age harmoniously, remaining generous and refined.
