In the hinterland of Languedoc, within the area of Saint-Chinian, since 2015 the young vigneron Ugo Lestelle has been producing genuine bottles according to a truly artisanal production approach. After exploring the South of France in search of a vineyard to buy, Ugo was captivated by the territory of Saint-Chinian, deciding to restore an old sheepfold and acquiring two hectares of adjacent vines.
Today, the vineyard area managed by Ugo Lestelle is 7 hectares, located at an average altitude of 550 meters above sea level. These are old bush vines rooted in schist soils of clay-limestone origin, characterized by an abundant presence of silicon. Following the principles of organic farming, the winery cultivates local black grape varieties Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Aramon, Terret, Cinsault, and Mourvedre, with total respect for the environment. Soil work is carried out with the help of a horse to preserve the structure and fertility of the soils. The winemaking style seeks finesse and grace, considering that the territory naturally tends to produce wines of great structure and concentration. In this perspective, the fermentations, entrusted exclusively to indigenous yeasts, are carried out with whole clusters without crushing, thus favoring the carbonic maceration of the grapes in order to achieve greater lightness and fragrance of the finished wine. According to the same principle, aging in wood is of short duration. Throughout the entire processing, Ugo does not resort to the use of any additives or auxiliaries, except for very small doses of sulfites at bottling, only if the vintage requires it.
The Lestelle Ugo winery offers expressions of deep territoriality, interpreted through the personal style of its creator, a fine and authentic style. The selection includes almost exclusively red wines, all capable of spontaneously reflecting the terroir from which they descend.