Les Schistes by Borie La Vitarèle

Structure

Bodymedium

Tanninmedium

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2034.

vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

Critic	Vintage	Score
RVF reviewed 2025	2022	93/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: toasted notes, spice, chocolate, garrigue

Palate: dark fruit, thyme, incomparable velvet, fine tannin

Grenache-led Saint-Chinian from biodynamic schist parcels at altitude on steep hillsides. Velvety mouthfeel despite concentration and character.

What it pairs with

Grilled red meat (côte de boeuf)
Fine tannin and velvet texture meet grilled rib steak.
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
Spice and garrigue meet slow-cooked lamb and herbs.
Aged Manchego
Toasted notes and chocolate complement hard sheep cheese.

History

Borie la Vitarèle was founded in 1990 by Jean-François and Cathy Izarn, 18 hectares in AOC Saint-Chinian under organic and biodynamic farming since 1998. Les Schistes comes from old vines on very steep hillsides at relatively high altitudes.

1990: Jean-François and Cathy Izarn found Borie la Vitarèle
1998: Estate converted to organic and biodynamic farming

Facts

Producer: Borie La Vitarèle · visiting guide
Grapes: Grenache (60%), Syrah (35%), Carignan (5%)
Classification: AOC Saint-Chinian
Oak: Aged in demi-muid (large French oak barrels)
ABV: 13.5%
Price: €18-25 at retail
Drinking window: 3-12 from vintage
First vintage: 1995
Biodynamic: Biodynamic Practicing
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Les Schistes

What does Les Schistes taste like?

Toasted notes, spice, chocolate and garrigue on the nose; dark fruit, thyme, incomparable velvet and fine tannin on the palate. Medium-bodied with a long finish.

When should I drink Les Schistes?

Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. The biodynamic schist cuvée rewards 45-60 minutes of decanting.

What food pairs with Les Schistes?

Grilled red meat is the canonical match; slow-roasted lamb shoulder and aged Manchego also work well.

Where is Les Schistes made?

From very steep biodynamic hillside parcels at altitude on Berlou-side schist at Borie la Vitarèle in Saint-Chinian.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Languedoc

Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Day trip3h 30m4.9 from 78 reviewsfrom €85

In a typically Mediterranean landscape, discover two of the region’s greatest treasures on this unforgettable half-day experience combining fine wines, fresh oysters, ...

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