The Palace of Versailles and Notre Dame Cathedral are well-known national heritage sites in France, but did you know that a plot of vines in southern France is also listed as a national treasure?
A plague that swept through France in the 19th century destroyed masses of grape vines. But a small area in the Pyrenees flourishing with plants up to 200 years old survived. They hold the ancient DNA of local grape varieties. Some are still being used with grapes from younger generation vines to make Saint-Mont wine. That's why it's so cherished by wine-growers.
Jean-Pascal, wine grower, said, "I pay as much attention as possible to the fact that they (the vines) are well protected, in terms of its size and all the work related to these vines. And I am very attentive to the fact that they remain as pretty as possible and as productive as possible."
But what propelled it to national fame was the moment scientists discovered the 40 acres of plot contains seven varieties of vines whose genes have not been recorded before.
Eric Fitan, President of Saint Mont Wines Company, said, "The discovery of these seven unknown varieties, will allow us tomorrow to produce wines that have more character, more spices, with a weaker level of alcohol. We have a lot of hope for this.
And no doubt it's a hope shared by wine lovers around the world.