Blanquette de Limoux holds the distinction of being the world’s first sparkling wine, crafted in 1531 by the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire near Limoux. By 1794 it had gained fame across all of France, even catching the attention of Thomas Jefferson, who counted it among his favorite wines and is believed to have been the first to bring it to America. Today, it is celebrated by wine enthusiasts worldwide and sold in the United States as Saint-Hilaire, a name chosen to honor the monks who created it nearly five centuries ago.

Classification

Sparkling wine · AOC Blanquette de Limoux · Brut

Terroir

The grapes used in the production of this sparkling wine come from four distinct terroirs of the Limoux appellation, characterized by clay-limestone soils.

Grape Varieties

91% Mauzac, 9% Chenin.

Vinification & Maturing

Grapes are exclusively hand-picked to preserve their quality. During the second fermentation, the bottles are stored horizontally in dark cellars with a regulated temperature of 59°F, allowing the ‘prise de mousse’ to occur slowly, an entirely natural process. The wine then ages on its second fermentation lees for a minimum of 12 months.

Saint-Hilaire Brut Sparkling Wine Notes to Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: A beautiful mousse with persistent bubbles and an attractive light yellow hue with green reflections
• AROMA: Floral notes of hawthorn, giving way to fruity aromas of white-fleshed fruits
• TASTE: Retains its citrus notes with a refreshing quality, characterized by delicate effervescence and balanced acidity
• FINISH: Clean and refreshing
• ABV%: 12%