L'OPPIDUM D'ENSERUNE

Origin of the Name

As the ancient name has never been discovered, the site is named after the earliest recorded name "Anseduna". This name appears for the first time in the charter dated 899 AD.

Site

The "Oppidum" is a high place usually fortified and covers the top of a hill which is approximately 100 meters above the level of the plain stretching from Cevennes in the north down to the sea in the south. The former Lake of Montady "etang de Montady" was reclaimed in 1248 and is situated at the foot of the hill on the southern side. The drainage ditches which cover the center create the usual spoke-like pattern.

To the west lies the former lake of Capestang "eyang de Capestang". The reclamation of this lake was started in the 18th century and completed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Archaeological Excavations

The site was first excavated in 1915 by Mr. F. Mouret who discovered a crematorium and burial ground. In 1967 the research was continued by Mr. Gallet de Santerre.

Occupation of the Site

The site was occupied continually from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD by inhabitants originating from the Iberian peninsula. This occupation can be divided into three different periods:

First period - from the 6th century BC until the end of the 5th century BC. The dwellings were not built according to a definite layout but were scattered over the top of the hill and down part of the slopes which were still not terraced. Naturally the people lived in simple huts and silos were discovered near to their huts which we used as underground cellars to store food.

Most of the household objects were made of bone (combs, needles, etc...) or stone (polished axes, mills for grinding, etc...). The pottery made locally was quite primitive and like the utensils they carried on an ancient tradition.

Also found in this location (Oppidum) were examples of various ceramics brought in from outside by traders from such areas as Ionia (Turkey), Attica (Greece), Etruria (Italy), Marseilles and there were also ceramics from "Iber-languedociennes" (Catalonia, Spain).

Second period - from the end of the 5th century BC to the end of the 3rd century BC. It was during this period that the hills and slopes were terraced and stone houses replaced the simple huts. A town planning system gradually emerged with roads and housing. A large rampart was built encircling the highest part of the hill that lead to large stone jars of Hellenic design called "doloum". These replaced the silos.

It was during this period that pottery from Greece and Italy became more prevalent and metal came into use. Many items such as razors, knives, hooks, iron weapons and bronze clothing were found.

Third period - from the end of 3rd BC until the 1st century AD. The town that had been destroyed at the end of the 3rd century BC was now rebuilt and considerably enlarged. A double ditch (Vallum) was dug around the periphery to the defenses of the oppidum.

The study of the pottery reveals that this area had now fallen under the influence of the Romans. A similar development was noticed in the coins that were found.

Eventually, by the end of the 1st century, the oppidum was abandoned because the inhabitants preferred to settle down on the flat plains surrounding the oppidum or in towns built by the Romans. All the museum exhibits proving these points came entirely from Enserune.

Why name a wine brand "Oppidum" - The reason is quite simple. Enserune is known throughout the world because the "oppidum" located here is probably the best example of this unique type of slope. The history of this region dates back to almost prehistoric times and the land itself allows us to produce incredibly well balance varietal wines in the Mediterranean style. Only from this very old and traditional region in France can you find the Enserune name on bottles of varietal wines. They are very good and quite unique. They cost a bit more than the average VDP varietal wine from France but try them and you will agree they are well worth the extra price. In most states they will retail for approximately $7.99 per bottle.