Orenia > Rhone

The vineyard of the Duché d’Uzes (The dukes were included in the peerage of France from 1572) is located to the northwest of Nîmes, and stretches west of the Pont du Gard, all the way to the foothills of the Cévennes. Originally from Alsace, Philippe Nusswitz was recognized "Meilleur Sommelier de France" in 1986. In 2002, after several years of learning vinification and aging techniques, he decided to settle with his wife Pascale and their children in the Cévennes, between the Rhône and the Languedoc. The peculiarity of this region lies in a rare climatology in southern vineyards: a large amplitude between hot days and cool nights. These are optimum conditions for the production of wines made from Syrah and Viognier. Philippe recognized the potential of the wines from this area, close to the mountains. He started to work with local producers who had vineyards that were beautiful but not exploited to their best. He focused on selecting the best parcels and created Orenia in 2003. He currently works with fifty growers, paid by the hectare and who follow his specifications. His total production is around 80,000 bottles. The wines are vinified at the local coop, fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled unfiltered. Philippe only adds sulfites if needed, usually at bottling. Orenia is named after his three children: victOR, juliEN and erminIA. The wines are vegan.

Farming practices: Some producers practice organic farming and are certified, but not all of them. The others practice sustainable farming.

Orenia Website

Orenia Blanc

The AOP Duché d’Uzes was created in July 2012.
50% Viognier, 30% Grenache, Marsanne and Roussanne for the remaining.
The parcels are located on clay-limestone ridges with good drainage. A strict pruning ensures beautiful healthy bunches and good ripeness. The cool climate allows all three varieties to reach maturity while keeping good acidity, crucial for primary aromas and overall balance. The harvest takes place in early September and is done during the night to preserve freshness. A large pneumatic press is used to gently extract the juice. Fermentation is done in concrete tanks at low temperature. No malolactic, but lees contact until bottling early spring.
Orenia blanc has fresh and fruity aromas. Mint, peach, citrus zest when drunk young, showing the Viognier character. By the end of the year,the Roussanne is bringing almond and honey notes. Rich mouthfeel with good acidity and balance, long length with a liquorice finish. 1250 cases produced.

Orenia Rouge

The AOP Duché d’Uzes was created in July 2012.
80% Syrah, 20% Grenache.
The parcels are located on clay-limestone ridges with good drainage. A strict pruning ensures beautiful healthy bunches and good ripeness. That is an ideal configuration for the Syrah. It shows a dark purple color, candied black fruit and spicy aromas, and the violet notes typical of the best Syrah wines. The harvest takes place early September in order to keep a nice balance between freshness and richness, guaranteeing a good aging potential. The juice ferments on the skins for two weeks, in cement tanks, at controlled temperature. Frequent pumping is done to extract fine tannins and the aromatic potential of the wine. The final blend requires 20% Grenache. The fruity cherry and spice notes and the roundness characteristic of this grape makes for an harmonious and easy drinking wine. 3750 cases produced.