Introduction:
The 2023 Domaine de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Rouge is a bold, structured red from southern France's Roussillon region. It delivers generous fruit, savory earth tones, and a mineral backbone, offering both immediate drinkability and short-term cellaring potential. Built on Mediterranean sun and mountain freshness, it’s a standout value for the style.

Terroir:
The wine is grown in the Agly Valley of the Côtes du Roussillon-Villages appellation, on steep, stony slopes composed of schist, granite, and limestone-clay soils. High elevation sites benefit from intense sunshine and cooling breezes, contributing to the wine’s combination of ripeness, structure, and freshness.

Appearance:
It pours deep garnet with violet reflections—indicative of ripe fruit and youthful vibrancy. The intensity of color suggests solid extraction and structure, typical of well-crafted southern French reds.

Nose:
Aromas include black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, alongside crushed herbs, black pepper, and hints of smoked meat. Subtle spice and mineral notes add complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Palate:
Full of juicy dark fruit—plum compote, blackberry, and black cherry—balanced with garrigue herbs, cracked pepper, and a stony minerality. Tannins are firm but polished, acidity is moderate and refreshing, and the wine carries a medium-full body with a silky texture and earthy undertone.

Finish:
The finish is long and savory, with lingering dark fruit, fine herbs, and a gentle mineral fade. Tannins provide structure without astringency, and the overall impression is both robust and refined.

Overall Impression:
This 2023 Bila-Haut Villages Rouge is a textbook southern French red—deeply fruited, herb-laced, and mineral-backed. It is a versatile, satisfying wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Roussillon highlands. Excellent with food or on its own, and well-suited to anyone seeking a grounded, expressive Rhône-style red without breaking the bank.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Meat dish: Grilled rib-eye steak with rosemary or a Moroccan lamb tagine with dried fruit—both match the wine’s bold fruit and savory spice.

• Vegetarian option: Roasted eggplant and red pepper stew with smoked paprika or wild mushroom risotto—earthy flavors echo the wine’s herbal-mineral depth.

• Cheese pairing: Aged Manchego or Tomme de Savoie—semi-hard cheeses that complement the wine’s fruit and moderate tannin beautifully.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14%
Farming Practices: Organic / biodynamic-leaning
Producer Name: Domaine de Bila-Haut
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Côtes du Roussillon-Villages (Languedoc-Roussillon)
Grape Varietals: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: Dry red; dark-fruited, savory and structured with mineral complexity. Medium-full body.
Winemaking Techniques: Fermentation in concrete vats, separate varietal vinification, moderate maceration, aged in concrete and older French oak to preserve freshness and terroir
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork