The curved culture of the Domaine des Belles Courbes

This site, where the vines wrap around the hills separating the Mediterranean from the Montagne Noire, offers a stunning panorama. Located in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon, north of Béziers, and within the AOC Saint-Chinian, this domain is reached by winding, wooded trails redolent of sunshine. Since acquiring the estate, Jacques has passionately worked to restore and develop the vineyard, focusing on the region's traditional grape varieties. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault thrive here, producing delightful red and rosé wines.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What makes the cultivation method here so unusual?

Cultivation on contour lines

The domain's uniqueness lies in its name. Are you familiar with contour line planting? Contour lines are well-known to hikers as they appear on topographic maps, indicating the altitude of a slope and the variations in relief. On a map, they help visualize the shape and steepness of a slope. The steeper the slope, the closer the contour lines because the elevation changes over a shorter distance. Conversely, flatter slopes have more widely spaced lines. These lines are crucial in agriculture as they help understand rainwater runoff. Water flows perpendicularly to these contour lines, which is the fastest route. Steeper slopes see faster runoff, while planting vines along these contours creates a natural barrier that slows down rainwater, allowing it to irrigate the vines and enrich the soil optimally, regardless of elevation changes.

What is the setting behind the wines?

Beautiful tasting curves

But Belles Courbes is also about hills under the southern sun, bringing the joy of garrigue scents. Under this exceptional climate and on the AOC Saint-Chinian terroir, the Tournat family crafts their finest cuvées, striving for natural wines.

Which rosés does the domain recommend?

The rosés

We highly recommend their rosés:

Rosé Marine: Named in honor of their daughter, this rosé presents refreshing notes of exotic fruits.

Rosé l’Absolue : Aged in oak barrels, with aromas of peach blossoms, vanilla, and spices. This "gastronomic" rosé pairs beautifully with cooked fish, white meats, or a lovely veal blanquette.

And what about the red wines?

The reds

For red wines, experience the domain's distinctive terroir through the offerings of this seasoned winemaker:

Vin Rouge Totem: Made from grapes from the highest vineyards on the estate. These vines, bathed in maximum sunlight and invigorated by winds, produce a deep, dark red wine with aromatic profiles of garrigue, spices, black fruits, and licorice. Perfect with poultry confit or red meats!

Vin Rouge Vieilles Vignes: Crafted from 65-year-old vines, producing wines with flavors of red fruits and spices, enhanced by mineral touches.

Vin Rouge Symphonia: The only cuvée aged in oak barrels. This quality results in a full-bodied, silky, and well-balanced wine with notes of red fruits, dried fig, spices, and vanilla.

Saint Sôt: The latest addition, a pure Cinsault natural wine with no additives. It offers delightful cherry and red fruit flavors with refreshing acidity.

Where can readers find these wines?

Craftsmanship and terroir

Domaine des Belles Courbes embodies true craftsmanship, sharp expertise, and an unparalleled terroir. Discover this winemaker on our website and purchase their wines online.

Discover the wines of Domaine des Belles Courbes directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine des Belles Courbes

Where is Domaine des Belles Courbes located?

The estate lies in the Languedoc, north of Béziers, within the Saint-Chinian appellation. Its plots sit on rolling hills set between the Mediterranean coast and the Montagne Noire range.

What is contour line cultivation?

It means planting the vines along the elevation lines of the slope, the same ones drawn on topographic maps. Arranged this way, the rows slow rainwater runoff so it soaks into the soil instead of rushing downhill.

Which grape varieties does the domain grow?

Four traditional Languedoc varieties are farmed here: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. They yield characterful reds and fresh rosés, depending on the plot and its exposure to the southern sun.

Does the estate make natural wine?

Yes, the Tournat family works towards wines with little or no added inputs. The Saint Sôt cuvée goes furthest: a pure Cinsault vinified without any additive, showing ripe cherry and a bright, tangy edge.

What rosés does Belles Courbes offer?

Two rosés stand out. Marine, named after the growers' daughter, leans on exotic fruit and freshness. L'Absolue, aged in oak barrels, takes a more gastronomic turn, with peach blossom, gentle spice and a vanilla touch.