Winemaker Michel Escande was inspired to plant Chardonnay in these plots which are situated on the high elevation hillsides of the Montagne Noire. The altitude, graphite and flint soil, and northern slopes sheltered from the summer heat combine to produce a wine in the style of a Chablis — with crispness, acidity and minerality. The Chardonnay grape in this white and brilliant soil results in a fresh and luminous wine. After eruptions of Vesuvius over a millenia ago, many Roman winemakers settled elsewhere. La Livinière (fittingly from the Latin word for ‘vine’) was one of the designated areas for the displaced Romans to plant vines, and it was perfect according to them. Nowadays La Livinière belongs at the top in the Minervois, and has its own Cru. This wine is created in the area of La Liviniere but because it is 100% Chardonnay and not blended it is classified as an IGP Pays d’Oc.