DOMAINE DE MOULINES
Discover DOMAINE DE MOULINES in photos
Domaine de Moulines – Five Generations of Passion in the Heart of Languedoc
An Exceptional Terroir Between Sea and Garrigue.Between Montpellier and Nîmes, Domaine de Moulines stretches over 55 contiguous hectares in the heart of Mediterranean Languedoc. Set on clay-limestone soils bathed in sea breezes, the vineyard benefits from an ideal microclimate where abundant sunshine and coastal humidity shape perfectly ripe grapes. For five generations, the Saumade family has cultivated the art of winemaking with rigor, respect for nature, and a constant pursuit of quality.
A Family Story Rooted in Lansargues
The estate’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Saint-André de Moulines Abbey once stood near the Bérange River. Its name derives from the ancient watermills that powered the region’s economy.
In 1913, Léonce Étienne purchased the 28-hectare property and gifted it to his daughter Léoncie upon her marriage to Charles Saumade, a winemaker from Lunel-Viel. Under their leadership, the estate modernized — installing irrigation systems, building concrete vats, and replanting vines.
Subsequent generations continued this legacy. In the 1970s, Gérard Saumade steered the vineyard toward quality, introducing noble varieties such as Merlot, Grenache, Chardonnay, and Viognier. His son Michel expanded direct sales and modernized the cellar to oversee every stage from harvest to bottling. Today, Charles (an oenologist) and Adrien (a wine business expert) carry the torch — a new generation rooted in tradition yet looking to the future.
A Mosaic of Grape Varieties Reflecting Languedoc’s Diversity
Domaine de Moulines cultivates a rich palette of grape varieties — Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Marselan, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese — expressing the full personality of its terroir.
Precise Winemaking that Honors the Fruit
Red Wines: Grapes harvested at full maturity are destemmed and fermented slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Long macerations (up to a month) add depth and roundness. The finest cuvées are aged in oak barrels or concrete vats.
White and Rosé Wines: Harvested earlier to preserve freshness, they undergo gentle, low-temperature vinification. Pneumatic pressing and slow fermentation reveal bright, balanced, fruit-forward wines.
Signature Cuvées of Domaine de Moulines
- Prestige Blanc – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Elegant blend of Chardonnay and Viognier with citrus and floral notes.
- Prestige Rouge – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon blend; full-bodied and smooth.
- Grande Réserve – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Oak-aged, structured, and spicy; the estate’s signature cuvée.
- Viognier – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Expressive, floral, and silky white wine with a lingering finish.
- Chardonnay – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Balanced and luminous, blending freshness with roundness.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Powerful and elegant, with aromas of blackcurrant and vanilla.
- Les Cigales Rosé – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Fresh, crisp, and bursting with red fruit — a perfect summer wine.
- Les Cigales Blanc – IGP Pays d’Hérault: Delicate and citrusy, ideal with seafood and light salads.
The Excellence of a Renowned Estate
Recognized for consistent quality, Domaine de Moulines stands today as a benchmark of modern Languedoc. Combining tradition, innovation, and environmental respect, the Saumade family embodies the success of authentic and sustainable winemaking.
Which cuvée from Domaine de Moulines would you like to taste first: the refreshing Viognier or the sun-drenched power of Prestige Rouge?