The strength of this wine begins high in the hills around Aups, in the Côteaux du Verdon area.
- Location / Origin: The wine comes from Aups in the Côteaux du Verdon, within the IGP Var in Southern France. This is a very different environment from Burgundy, but Louis Latour specifically chose this location because the conditions here are remarkably well-suited to what Pinot Noir needs.
- Altitude: The estate is located at 500 m above sea level. This altitude ensures cooler nights, which is important for preserving freshness and finesse in Pinot Noir.
- Soil: The subsoil consists of clay and limestone. This combination gives the wine structure and suits the precise, elegant style for which Valmoissine is known.
- Climate & Influences: The estate benefits from warm, sunny days and cool nights, with clearly defined seasons. The southern exposure helps the grapes ripen well, while the altitude and location help limit the risk of spring frost.
- Vineyard & Harvest: The vines are on average 15 years old, yields are around 35 hl/ha, and harvesting is done both manually and mechanically. This combination provides Louis Latour with sufficient selection and at the same time a consistent base for this cuvée.
In the cellar too, Louis Latour opts for a clear, classic approach here.
- Harvest & Selection: Upon arrival in the cellar, the grapes are fully destemmed. This is followed by a gentle pneumatic pressing, so that the wine retains its refined structure and the tannins remain beautifully balanced.
- Fermentation: Fermentation takes place traditionally in open vats, with 100% malolactic conversion. This gives the wine more suppleness and creates the round, harmonious opening that suits this style well.
- Aging / Oak Maturation: The wine ages for 10–12 months in stainless steel tanks. This keeps the fruit clearly in view and gives the wine a soft, pure style without losing its origin.
Here, everything revolves around one grape that performs surprisingly convincingly outside of Burgundy.
- 100% Pinot Noir – IGP Var: Pinot Noir forms the complete basis here, giving the wine its soft texture, refined tannins, and elegant red fruit style. In Valmoissine, this results in a sunny yet beautifully structured expression.
