When thinking of the Languedoc, one often conjures images of powerful, sun-drenched wines. However, the French winery Abbots & Delaunayhas been demonstrating for years that this versatile wine region also produces elegant, refined, and characterful wines. By combining the precision of Burgundy with the rich terroirs of Southern France, Abbots & Delaunay is now considered one of the most remarkable wineries in the Languedoc.
A Meeting of Two Wine Worlds
The story of Abbots & Delaunay begins with two passionate winemakers: Australian oenologist Nerida Abbottand French winemaker Laurent Delaunay. Abbott settled in the Languedoc in the 1990s, convinced of the region's enormous potential. Laurent Delaunay, from a Burgundian wine family active in the wine world for five generations, saw the same opportunities and took over the winery in 2005. Instead of changing the name, he decided to merge both family names. This is how Abbots & Delaunaywas born: a winery where Australian curiosity and French tradition perfectly complement each other.
The Power of the Languedoc
The Languedoc is one of France's most versatile wine regions. From calcareous hills and old vines to cool, high-altitude vineyards and Mediterranean influences: each location yields grapes with its own character. Abbots & Delaunay therefore does not operate from a single estate, but carefully selects grapes from small, experienced winegrowers spread across the region's most beautiful appellations, including Limoux, Corbières, Minervois, and Faugères.
This approach is precisely what makes the winery special. Only the best plots are selected, after which each grape variety is vinified separately. This allows the wines to retain their own identity and the unique character of the terroir to fully express itself.
Burgundian Precision in Southern France
Where many Languedoc producers opt for power and ripe fruit, Abbots & Delaunay chooses balance. Laurent Delaunay's Burgundian background plays an important role in this. His philosophy is that a wine should not only be intense but above all elegant, refined, and gastronomic.
This means careful harvesting, strict selection of grapes, precise vinification, and aging where wood is only used if it genuinely adds something to the wine. The result is wines with plenty of fruit, fresh acidity, beautiful structure, and surprising length.
Wines with Character and Enjoyment
The Abbots & Delaunay range consists of both refined single varietal wines and prestigious appellation wines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache each demonstrate the versatility of the Languedoc in their own way.
What all the wines have in common is their excellent price-quality ratio. They are accessible enough to enjoy immediately, yet possess enough complexity for the true wine enthusiast. This means the wines are equally suited to an elaborate dinner as they are to a relaxed evening with friends.
Why Choose Abbots & Delaunay?
Abbots & Delaunay is a winery for enthusiasts who are looking for more than a standard French wine. The combination of centuries-old Burgundian wine knowledge, innovative insights, and the exceptional terroirs of the Languedoc creates wines with a unique signature.
Every bottle tells the story of a region that still surprises. Full of Mediterranean sun, old vines, and an unparalleled diversity of soils, but always with the elegance and precision that characterize Laurent Delaunay.
At Wijnhuis Cave, we select the most beautiful wines from Abbots & Delaunay because they perfectly demonstrate how modern, refined, and versatile the Languedoc is today. Whether you choose a fresh white wine, an elegant Pinot Noir, or a powerful red blend: with Abbots & Delaunay, you taste the best of Southern France.
View all wines from Abbots & Delaunay here
