The Soil
The physical terrain is particularly interesting because it contains elements necessary to the vines' survival in times of difficult conditions. Most of the parcels are composed of limestone and clay with round pebbles. This soil permits deep root structures to go in search of water, and it has significant water retention capacity to fare off the dry summer months. The great permeability of the soil and its perfect drainage allow the vine to take advantage of the best part of the region's climate. The quality and environment-conscious vineyard management, as well as the varietals themselves, contribute to the originality of the land, as well as to the personality of the Château's various wines.

Micro climate
Further, the vineyard's northern exposure is favorable to a fine balance between acids and sugars. The combination of northern interior winds and southwestern Mediterranean winds moderates extreme temperatures and also dries the vines after the rain, which helps reduce rot and minimize pest infection.

Varietal Mix
The 23-hectare property (57 acres) is divided into two side-by-side lots, divided into neat parcels by recently plowed drainage ditches. The vines are on average 35 years old and are planted at high density attaining 5000 plants per hectare supported by high trailings and pruned in the "royat" style.

The Syrahs, Grenaches and Cinsaults are ingredients in our Coteaux du Languedoc rosé and red blends.

The property's Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are among the oldest in Languedoc, leaving to the imagination the many potential expressions that they promise. Blended to the estate's Carignan, they will yield our Domaine d'Aumières "Les Loupiots" red. Last but not least, the estate's smallest plot planted with Viognier produces "Les Loupiots" blanc, the only white wine produced at Château Saint-Jean d'Aumières.

Vineyard Management
Ever since the estate's acquisition, Paul Tori implemented an ambitious quality upgrade program in order to fully seize the exceptional terroir's potential. The vines are grown under the advice of Sylviane Leplâtre, appointed agricultural consultant following a strict sustainable agricultural process. The first efforts were aimed at producing perfectly ripe and healthy grapes: heightened trailings, agresssive winter prunning, de-leafing and green harvesting in order to reduce production yields and maximize fruit intensity.

Today, the average production yield barely attains 45 hl/ha. Manual harvesting was introduced in 2001 and a strict selection process of grapes implemented at the vineyard and upon their arrival at the winery.