GUIDE DVE Automne 2018 :

Domaine La Croix Chaptal
Hameau De Cambous -34725 Saint-André De Sangonis
Tél : 06 82 16 78 82 E-mail : lacroixchaptal@wanadoo.fr  Site Internet : www.lacroixchaptal.com

Visite au domaine : Sur Rdv  Dégustation au Caveau : Sur Rdv    Gratuites : Oui  Accueil de Groupe : Oui
Type de Viticulture : Raisonnée sans certification transmise

Cuvée Charles 2015 - A.O.P. Terrasses du Larzac - Grenache, Syrah et Carignan.  91/ 100

Robe grenat, profonde, encore jeune avec un disque rubis, d’un bel éclat et brillante, larmes multiples. Le nez est expressif et d’une belle typicité, il débute sur des notes de fruits confiturés (fraise, framboise, cerise), de réglisse, de tout un bouquet balsamique méditerranéen (épices, olive noire, maquis, sauge..), mais aussi avec des parfums d’élevage (café au lait, moka, torréfaction et vanille).  Tout comme au nez on a en bouche un vin riche et solaire, doté d’une belle personnalité méditerranéenne et d’un élevage bien maîtrisé. L’attaque est ample, pleine et veloutée dans laquelle on retrouve ces parfums fruités gorgés de soleil, juteux à souhait presque de liqueur. Ce vin bien que puissant et généreux garde une belle harmonie et un caractère velouté puisque les tanins sont enveloppés dans la chair et qu’ils affichent une certaine patine. L’ensemble est convaincant même si il demande du répondant à table. Finale sur le chocolat, les épices d’une bonne persistance

Avis de D.V.E. : vin méditerranéen corsé et généreux. Température de Service : entre 17-18°C. Durée de Garde : dans les 4 à 6 ans.
Nombre de cols : N.C.          Prix départ caveau T.T.C. 16,5 €
Ou le trouver ? France, Europe et Asie.         Secteur de Vente : Secteur Traditionnel
 

Le Secret de Gellone 2015 -  A.O.P. Terrasses du Larzac - Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan.   89/ 100

Robe grenat d’une bonne intensité avec des reflets bigarreau, brillante et limpide, avec de la densité et quelques larmes. Beau nez expressif qui reflète son terroir avec tout un registre méditerranéen (épices, garrigue, thym, tapenade) des parfums de fruits noirs confiturés (mûre, myrtille et cassis), des touches de fruits à noyau (griotte, prunelle) ainsi que tout une palette de parfums d’élevage (moka, fève de cacao, café moulu et torréfaction). Ce nez généreux et complexe ajoute une touche de vanille en arrière-plan. En bouche c’est un vin concentré doté d’une grande richesse qui en ferait presque oublier sa puissance latente. L’attaque est ample, enveloppante et gourmande, elle restitue une expression de fruits gorgés de soleil et de zan. A l’évolution on a un vin riche et solaire avec des tanins feutrés qui sont noyés dans cette chair opulente. L’ensemble est harmonieux et savoureux avec une finale qui va encore le lier sur des parfums typés du Sud et sur des saveurs boisées.

Avis de D.V.E. : vin du Sud solaire dont on aime l’onctuosité et la typicité.
Température de Service : entre 17-18°C. Durée de Garde : dans les 3 à 4 ans.
Nombre de cols : N.C.          Prix départ caveau T.T.C. 13 €
Ou le trouver ? France, Europe, Amérique du Nord et Asie.         Secteur de Vente : Secteur Traditionnel
 

Robe jaune paille avec des reflets dorés et argentés, très brillante et limpide, avec de la viscosité, belle présentation. Ce nez puissant est généreux et complexe on décèle une certaine puissance avec des parfums de raisins très mûrs, de fruits blancs très avancés (pommes et coing) qui laissent la place à des fragrances de fruits secs (amandes et cerneau de noix) et des parfums floraux (acacia) qui prennent des tonalités presque miellées et vanillées. En bouche on a un vin corpulent avec dès l’attaque du gras et de l’ampleur qui restituent des parfums fruités et floraux. Il y a de la puissance, de la richesse et beaucoup de gras qui sont contrebalancés par une fraîcheur indispensable. L’ensemble est équilibré avec une finale longue ou l’on retrouve des parfums plus suaves et presque miellés. De toute évidence on est sur un blanc de gastronomie.

Avis de D.V.E. : une vraie personnalité et de l’originalité pour ce vin à réserver pour la table.
Température de Service : entre 9-11°C. Durée de Garde : dans les 3 ans.
Nombre de cols : N.C.          Prix départ caveau T.T.C. 11 €
Ou le trouver ? France et Europe.         Secteur de Vente : Secteur Traditionnel
 

Belle robe brune ambrée, avec des reflets orangés et tuilés en bordure de disque, belle présentation. Le nez est engageant et évolutif, il débute sur des parfums fruités du type raisins de Corinthe, d’abricots, de fruits secs en allant vers les pâtes de fruits, le miel et cerneaux de noix. On distingue également des parfums de griotte et de pruneau macérés. L’aération ajoute des parfums grillés, toastés et fumés. C’est un nez suave et complexe. En bouche c’est un vin à l’attaque ample et d’un bon volume qui restitue la palette aromatique gourmande du nez. A l’évolution c’est plein, harmonieux; avec une puissance qui est maîtrisée et qui s'est bien assagie. C’est un vin original dont on aime la sensualité et le caractère velouté. L’ensemble est bien lié avec une finale sur des tonalités miellées mais aussi une rétro très longue sur les notes fumées, grillées et torréfiées.

Avis de D.V.E. : bien trop rare, cette Clairette du Languedoc est pourtant digne d’intérêt.
Température de Service : entre 7-8°C. Durée de Garde : dans les 5 à 7 ans.
Nombre de cols : 900          Prix départ caveau T.T.C. 17,5 €
Ou le trouver ? France et Europe.         Secteur de Vente : Secteur Traditionnel

GUIDE HACHETTE 2019

Charles-Walter Pacaud propose dans cette édition deux versions de l’appellation aussi remarquables l’une que l’autre. Deux vins gourmands à apprécier sans attendre pour fêter les soixante-dix ans de l’appellation.

Domaine La Croix Chaptal – Clairette Blanche 2016 **

Cette version vinifiée en sec revêt une robe or pâle aux reflets argentés.

La palette aromatique délicate, mêlant des notes suaves de pâte de coing nuancée d’amande et des évocations fraîches de pamplemousse se teintent au palais des notes épicées et fumées d’un beau boisé.

La bouche savoureuse trouve son équilibre dans une pointe d’amertume bienvenue pour tonifier la finale chaleureuse. (2019-2021)

Domaine La Croix Chaptal – Vendanges de Novembre 2011 **

Née de raisins récoltés en surmaturation et atteints par la pourriture noble en novembre 2011, cette cuvée confidentielle a mûri en fût pendant cinq ans. Au terme de cet élevage, elle affiche une robe ambrée et déploie avec exubérance et intensité toute une gamme d’arômes traduisant une heureuse évolution : confiture de coings, compotée de pommes, miel, réglisse, cannelle, orange confite et, à l’aération, un soupçon de cire.

Tout aussi généreuse, la bouche offre une matière puissante, où jouent des arômes confits et épicés non dénués d’élégance. L’acidité, encore bien présente, soutient le moelleux jusqu’à la finale aux nuances de pruneau et de confiture de vieux garçon. (2019-2025)

GILBERT & GAILLARD 2019

VIN DE FRANCE

Domaine LA CROIX CHAPTAL – Les Origines – Réserve de Witiza 2015 : 89/100

Belle robe grenat soutenu. Nez de fruits noirs plutôt net, tonalités boisées et épicées.

Bouche dense, tannique, bien équilibrée. Un style traditionnel, charpenté, qui séduit par sa franchise.

Un vin qui mérite le détour. € 25,00
 

Domaine LA CROIX CHAPTAL – Les Origines – Seigneurie de Cambous 2015 : 89/100

Robe grenat soutenu. Nez très méridional aux accents d’arbousier, de garrigue, de plantes aromatiques.

En bouche, attaque charnue, beaucoup de fraîcheur et les mêmes arômes pleins de vitalité.

Vin au registre très intéressant qui sort des sentiers battus. € 25,00
 

Domaine LA CROIX CHAPTAL – Les Origines – Déodat de Séverat 2016 : 88/100

Robe rouge rubis. Nez de fruits rouges et noirs mûrs, note de cassis.

La bouche est polie en attaque, plus charpentée ensuite. On retrouve la même palette aromatique plutôt plaisante. La finale reste sur le fruit rouge et noir, croquante. € 25,00

WINES OF THE LANGUEDOC – Rosemary George MW

CLAIRETTE DU LANGUEDOC

Clairette du Languedoc was the earliest white table wine appellation of the region, with its decree signed in 1948. The appellation stipulates Clairette Blanche but does not allow Clairette Rose, although, happily, the vinification methods were not defined, which allows for considerable variations of flavour, from young and fresh to mature, and variations of sweetness, from late harvest and rancio. The area covers a small group of villages between Pézenas and Clermont l’Hérault. Today, while there is renewed interest in the potential of Clairette as one of the indigenous grape varieties of the Languedoc, with its alility to withstand heat and drought, the appellation of Clairette du Languedoc has few producers. The ccoperatives of Adissan and Cabrières are the biggest; Domaines Paul Mas buys wine from two other cooperatives; and Charles-Walter Pacaud at Domaine la Croix Chaptal is the lone protagonist amongst the independent wine growers. No one can make a living from Clairette alone, and Charles-Walter also makes a range of red wines, as the southernmost estate of the Terrasses du Larzac, close to St André de Sangonis.

Domaine la Croix Chaptal

I went to see Charles-Walter on 14 September 2017, which, as it happened, was the day that he was picking Clairette, three weeks earlier than usual. Out of a total of 18 hectares, he has 2 hectares o Clairette Blanche, and also some Clairette Rose, all 50-year-old vines, with the rose complanté with the blanche. We walked in the vineyards and could see that the grapes were dark pink, as opposed to the pale pink of a gris variety. Charles-Walter considers Clairette to be the white grape variety of the Languedoc. It is a later ripener and resists drought giving a wine that is rich and rounded at 13% abv. He finds the white version of Clairette quite rustic, whereas the rose is more elegant, and he has planted more of it, but for the appellation Languedoc Blanc, which allows up to 10 per cent Clairette Rose. Apparently, the possibility of an appellation for Clairette du Languedoc was considered as early as 1936, with the designated area agreed, but the bordelais objected to the name Clairette, claiming that it would cause confusion with claret.

Charles-Walter treated us to a vertical tasting of his Clairette, going back to 2007, explaining that he gives the wine a long élevage, partly in barrels and partly in vat, with some initial bâtonnage, but he just leaves it to rest gently after the first five or six months. There is a little skin contact while he is filling the press; essentially his method is à la bourguignonne, with lees contact in the barrel. The élevage gives greater complexity and longevity. The 2015, which he was just about to bottle in September 2017, was honeyed on both nose and palate, with hints of quince, texture and acidity, and a long finish. There were subtle nuances with each vintage, but dry honey was the common theme, and also an element of bitterness on the finish, which is a qualitative factor. No wine was made in 2011 following a devastating hail storm, and while the 2009 was quite evolved, the 2007 was extraordinarily fresh and herbal. I had no idea that Clairette could age quite so well. Our tasting finished with a 2010 Rancio Vendange Tardive. The grapes were more botrytized than passerillé, and picked in November. Rancio dictates a minimum of three years’ ageing in barrel, while Charles-Walter prefers five to seven years. He observed that with a rancio wine “you control absolutely nothing”. You need an Indian summer after some rain in October, so that mornings are damp and the afternoons dry. Clairette is quite thick skinned, so it can cope with humidity, and it is quite susceptible to botrytis. The only thing you can decide is the moment to pick. The wine had extraordinary acidity and freshness as well as honeyed, nutty notes and a smooth finish with a firm bite.

Posted on 13/05/2016 by quentinsadler

Clairette – a surprising white grape from the Languedoc

Whilst in the Languedoc recently I was able to go on lots of study trips of the wine areas and also to attend quite a few masterclasses – in fact I have been thrilled this year to learn that the French, Croat and Slovene words for masterclass are, well, masterclass!

The beautiful Domaine La Croix Chaptal – photo courtesy of the winery.

One of the best of these masterclasses was about a little known white wine called Clairette du Languedoc. The appellation / PDO was created in 1948, making it the oldest white wine PDO in the Languedoc. Only one grape is permitted, the Clairette or Clairette Blanche, which is really only found in the Rhône, Provence and Languedoc regions. It is a low acid, but high alcohol grape, so can make pretty flabby wines if you are not careful with it. It is widely grown in the Southern Rhône, where it is used as a blending grape, including in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The grape lends its name to the sweet sparkling Clairette de Die, despite only 25% of Clairette being allowed in the finished wine, the rest must be Muscat – originally it was 100% Clairette.

In the Languedoc two areas specialise in the grape Clairette de Bellegarde, in the far east of the region near the Rhône, and Clairette du Languedoc, just west of Montpellier. So troublesome was the grape that in the past it was often used as the basis of vermouth rather than being drunk on its own, and further back in history it was a sweet wine – the dry versions were apparently called Picardon and the sweet ones Clairette. Luckily though, as is so often the case, modern know-how has come to its rescue and in the Clairette du Languedoc zone a modest renaissance is underway. The sea is only 20 km away and sighting the vineyards to catch the sea breezes and the refreshing Tramontane wind is very important to retain freshness.

The appellation is the smallest in the Languedoc with just 100 hectares of vineyard and 18 producers, 7 of which are cooperatives, but it produces four styles of wine all from the single grape. Fresh, dry whites are made, as well as sweet versions, long wood aged rank wines and fortified Vins Doux Naturels. I tasted examples of all of these and truthfully found the sweet versions to be a bit light and lacking, which is a shame as there is more sweet wine made here than dry. The drier styles quite excited me though and I brought one back to show in a tasting and it excited everyone there too.

The beautiful Domaine La Croix Chaptal – photo courtesy of the winery.

2014 Domaine La Croix Chaptal Clairette Blanche 
Domaine La Croix Chaptal
AC / AOP Clairette du Languedoc
Languedoc
France

This delightful estate is owned by Charles-Walter Pacaud who hails from the Cognac region, but fell in love with Languedoc’s Terrasses du Larzac while studying winemaking in Montpellier. He managed to buy this estate which has a recorded history going back to the 10th century, but Gallo-Roman archeological finds in the vineyards suggest the land has been in use for a lot longer than that. Most of what he produces is either Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc or Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac, with just one hectare being Clairette, but they are old vines that give better concentration and they grow on well drained stony and gravelly soil.

Charles-Walter Pacaud tending his vines – photo courtesy of the winery.

The grapes are harvested by hand, as required in the appellation, destined and spend a little time macerating on the skins for flavour and texture development. 30% is aged in new oak on the lees, with the rest aged in stainless steel tank on the lees for 18 months.

The aromas are quite beguiling, very mineral, herbal – especially fennel and vanilla – together with honey, almonds, peach skin and light toast. The palate is more fleshy with some burnt orange and a mouth-filling texture. there is even a very attractive touch of Fino sherry about it, just a point of oxidation that makes it quite delicious. The finish is very long and mineral and the more you come back to this wine the better it gets. A wonderful discovery, try it if you can – 91/100 points.

This would be wonderful with rich fish dishes, shellfish with garlic butter, fish pie, Coquilles Saint Jacques, chicken and all manner of cheeses too.

Sadly this excellent wine is not available in the UK, so contact the winery direct. I cannot find any other examples of the region available here either, so make sure you try it when you are over there.
For US stockists, click here.

 CLAIRETTE DU LANGUEDOC

 TERRASSES DU LARZAC

PRESS REVIEW 2013
 

The Kitchen - Wine of the Week - Les Terrasses 2009 Terrasses du Larzac –

This 2009 red wine "Les Terrasses" from Domaine La Croix Chaptal is a perfect example of the excellent quality wines you can buy for less than $20 per bottle.

The Languedoc is the source of some of the best value, good quality wines. Once regarded as a source of poor quality bulk wine, the Languedoc wine industry has truly been revolutionized.

While I have long been a fan of Languedoc wine, it was really last summer when we spent three weeks in the region that I really grasped the impact of the quality revolution. This red wine is no exception. It is bright and refreshing with crisp acidity. Its crunchy, suede-like tannins frame the bounty of fruity flavors that explodes on the palate: blackberry, cassis, wild raspberry and bramble fruit. The texture is plump and the wine has a generous mouthfeel. But this wine is not just about the fruit; it has a distinct minerality which prevails across the palate and savory, wild herb and juniper notes that add complexity and a long, lingering finish.

At the Table

When tasting this wine, my mind immediately imagined a dish of braised wild boar, something hearty and warming to complement the wild side of the wine. If wild boar is not your thing try beef or lamb, or for the more adventurous readers, why not pair it with Faith's recipe for Braised Goat Shanks with Prune, Shallot and Brandy Reduction. A truly delicious combination!

Mary Gorman-McAdams, MW (Master of Wine)

Clairette Blanche 2010 Clairette du Languedoc – 84/100 

Light golden yellow colour. A nose of white fruit with a hint of almond. A classical style, a rather round wine blending fruity aromas and slightly bitter notes. Fish in creamy sauce on the menu.

Les Sigillées 2011 Languedoc Rosé - 89/100

Light red colour. An inviting nose of ripe fruit, spices and mineral notes. Round and ample in the mouth, silky texture, a rich and well-balanced range of aromas. A very refined rosé to be served along with a fine dish.

Les Terrasses 2010 Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac - 87/100

Deep colour connoting youth. Intense nose with notes of Mediterranean olive-based spread “Tapenade” and black cherry as well as a hint of chocolate and mocha. Ample and powerful in the mouth with intense aromas. A peppery hint improves its finish. This wine radiates the south, the sun.

Cuvée Charles 2009 Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac - 87/100

A brightly young colour. A fine nose with a chocolate woody aroma standing out against a background of stone fruit. Well-balanced mouth endowed with great freshness. As the woody character does not hide the fruit, we appreciate its typical and straightforward aromas. A well-mastered Larzac wine.

Witiza 2009 Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac - 89/100

Deep colour, connoting youth. Fine and heady nose, delicate blending of cherry in brandy, spices and mocha. Mellow and supple mouth, delicate aromas coated with freshness. A refined Larzac wine for a most elegant match between dishes and wines.
 

Clairette Blanche 2010 – * (one star)

Charles-Walter Pacaud proves that Clairette-du-Languedoc can also stand up to Time thanks to this cuvée, one part of which is vinified in tanks and the other in barrels, and which is then left to mature slowly on fine lees. This cuvee is arrayed in a straw yellow colour and gives off a bouquet both floral and fruity as well as mineral and licorice. In the mouth, roundness dominates, in a way echoing the rounded stones and pebbles of the Villafrancian terrace upon which Clairette Blanche thrives. Here it is in no way heavy, thanks to a fine liveliness which gives energy to the whole wine. Today or in two to three years’ time, it will go well with seafood in garlic butter or an angler with bacon for example.
 

Very charming and well thought-out, the wines from this domaine definitely get off the beaten tracks and deserve to be tasted on account of their outstanding capacity to accompany meals.

Clairette Vieilles Vignes 2010 – 14,5/20

Les Sigillées Blanc 2012 – 13/20

DUSSERT-GERBER

TOP APPELLATION COTEAUX-DU-LANGUEDOC
Domaine la CROIX CHAPTAL – “PREMIER GRAND VIN CLASSÉ”

A genuine and very steady quality.Undeniable know-how and quality-price ratio. Great “favourite wines”.

An estate spreading over 25ha of vineyards and 10ha of woodland. The different plots, ideally situated a few hundred yards from the cellar, are hand-harvested by a team of around fifteen people. Thus, the first sorting out of the grapes can be carried out in the vineyard. Although the owners previously worked in wine-making companies known for their innovations, they do not hesitate to revive the tradition when the latter can bring about improvements quality-wise. Hence, the red wines are the result of long macerations, of the natural decantation due to winter frosts and of a second fermentation when the first sunrays appear in spring. Traditional ageing in oak barrels goes along with regular topping up. Excellent Coteaux-du-Languedoc cuvée Terrasses du Larzac La Grive et l'Ortolan rouge 2009 mainly made from Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Hand-picked harvest with systematic sorting out, traditional vinification with a very short stay in barrels. This wine is well-structured with aromas of small red stone fruit and smoked wood prevailing in the nose. It is a powerful wine evolving in a very promising way. The Coteaux-du-Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac Cuvée Charles 2009 (36% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 20% Carignan et 19% Mourvèdre on a soil of rounded stones and gravel with some red clay, hand-picked harvest), is characterized by notes of macerated red berries and a plump and lingering mouthfeel. It goes perfectly well with a leg of lamb. There is also the Coteaux-du-Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac cuvée Les Terrasses rouge 2009 which proves as intense in the nose as in the mouth. It is finely concentrated, its cherry-like nose is slightly spicy and still a little closed. Fine Clairette Du Languedoc 2010, 100% Clairette blanche, exhaling subtle aromas of almond and linden, a smooth but lively character with the same fine floral mouthfeel as the Coteaux-du-Languedoc Les Sigillées rosé 2012 which combines freshness and elegance and whose mouth is subtly aromatic and lingering (newly redesigned label). Do not hesitate.
 

Witiza 2009 Terrasses du Larzac - 91/ 100

Fine garnet color, of medium intensity, bright and shining, fine-looking. The nose is both pleasant and inviting. It combines on the one hand very ripe, almost candied red berries: strawberry and raspberry, black berries : blackberry, blueberry; all that blended with notes of scrubland and sweet spices: vanilla and cinnamon with a slight touch of mocha. The mouth reveals a well-structured wine, full-bodied and plump. At first, the palate is ample and round with a pure and precise expression of small black berries. When evolving, the mouthfeel remains rather crunchy and dense, the tannins are then obtrusive but noble and fine. This wine seems still young, however there is already a harmonious feeling in spite of its robust and solid character. It will delight the amateurs of strong sensations who are also attached to a certain decency and restraint, even in a display of strength. One thing is certain, it has the necessary qualities: great fruit, fine acidity and a rich texture to delight our palates.

D.V.E. suggestion: For demanding amateurs who like full-bodied wines.

Food & Wine Pairing: Venison with sweet potatoes or marengo veal.

Les Terrasses 2010 Terrasses du Larzac - 89/ 100

Fine ruby color, still young, quite deep, bright and shining with fine tears. The nose reveals very ripe red berries : crushed strawberry, raspberry but also morello cherry, with notes of spices up to a mineral, licorice hint. Giving air confirms the first nose with undertones of "garrigue", animal flavours and black olives. Fine energy with an ample, round and fleshy start. The fruit is still present. Evolution shows power with a tight and dense mouthfeel and structured tannins that stand out but remain integrated to enough body. This wine is charming and harmonious but will become even better with a little more time.

D.V.E. suggestion: Very reliable quality Mediterranean wine.

Food & Wine Pairing: Braised lamb shanks with rosemary or wild duck with kumquat.

Clairette Blanche 2010 Clairette du Languedoc - 85/ 100

Fine straw colour with golden and silver hints, clear and shining, fine-looking. The nose conjures up white fruits and stewed fruit on a vanilla and dried fruit background, and even a buttery note. The mouth is supple and fat, and reveals the rich character already perceived in the nose. The evolution is in the same tone with a full-bodied and generous texture as well as a suave expression. Well-balanced and well-made.

D.V.E. suggestion: Fat wine to pair with a fish in sauce.

Food & Wine Pairing: Sole fillet with supreme sauce or grilled turbot with seafood sauce.
 

Witiza 2009 Terrasses du Larzac -

A fine nose of roasted raspberry, spices and pepper, notes of mint and « garrigue ». The mouth is full-bodied, spicy, with notes of cherry, cocoa, toast and toasted tannins. To pair with partridge.

Les Terrasses 2010 Terrasses du Larzac -

A nose dominated by black cherry, balsamic notes and pinewood. A fleshy and fruity mouthfeel, with aromatic freshness and liquorice tannins. To pair with a casseroled veal chop.

Les Sigillées 2011 rouge Coteaux du Languedoc  -

Notes of « garrigue », spices, grilled red berries. The mouth is supple, aromatic, with cocoa tannins. To pair with grilled lamb.
 

Witiza 2009 Terrasses du Larzac – Favorite Wines

This wine is outstanding! Charles-Walter Pacaud has been exploring the potential of his vineyard for more than ten years. His wines have quickly won over the amateurs of refinement; however, this time he plays on the stage of the great. This Witiza 2009 (25 €), in Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac, is an exception. The wine-grower explains that « It combines the fullness of Languedoc and the freshness of Terrasses ». Out goes the bounty of red berries; in the nose, right away this wine asserts itself as oriental with sandalwood, camphor, eucalyptus and white pepper. On the palate, you will recognize fine fruity flavours and above all extremely refined tannins that are chiselled and crunchy. Freshness prevails in the long, lingering finish. Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache and Carignan on rounded stones and gravel, a 20-hectolitre per hectare yield, a selected harvest, a long vinification in tanks and a thirty-month ageing period, including twelve to twenty-four months in barrels depending on varieties. This exceptional cuvée pays tribute to St Benoît d’Aniane (Witiza) who, in 782, allowed Benedictine abbeys to plant vines and to drink wine during meals, thus shaping the Languedoc vineyard. Indeed, right from the 5th century La Croix Chaptal estate belonged to Gellone Abbey in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

This year again , the wine guides recommend Domaine La Croix Chaptal.
 

               GUIDE HACHETTE WINE GUIDE 2012

AOC Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé Papillon 2010– 2 stars

Charles Pacaud discovered the Terrasses du Larzac terroir while he was studying viticulture and oenology in Montpellier. His dream came true in 1999 when he bought this vineyard created by the Benedictine monks of Gellone Abbey in the Xth century. He manages the vineyard by applying eco-friendly methods : harvesting by hand, local yeasts, no chemical products. Here is a superb dark purple rosé with fuchsia glints, its nose is powerful and complex with aromas of red fruits ( raspberry, wild strawberry). It is round, soft and rich in the mouth. A slightly bitter final touch brings freshness and complexity. This is a charming rosé which can accompany a meal. Great combination with a fish pie from Sète ( tielle sétoise) or with grilled fish.

                BETTANE AND DESSEAUVE WINE GUIDE 2012

AOC Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé Les Sigillées 2009

At its best until 2012

The style of this rosé will please those who do not like rosés. With a touch of caramel when you first taste it, it may puzzle some people and delight those who appreciate a rather sweet final touch.One more year gives it surprising complexity.

It will prove to be a great experience with a meal.

               GILBERT AND GAILLARD GUIDE 2012

Clairette Blanche 2009 Clairette du Languedoc A.O.C. -  85/100

Rather deep golden colour. Fine nose with hints of hazelnut, almond and vanilla. Definitely round and lush in the mouth.  A mellow, juicy texture, very distinctive aromas of dried fruits. A white wine fit for a meal, it will go well with poultry in a cream sauce.

Les Terrasses 2007 Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac A.O.C. -  86/100

A concentrated colour with glints that bespeak evolution. A mature nose exhaling plum, black cherry and spices. The same impression of maturity is present in the mouth where stewed fruit is dominant. A straightforward and balanced Languedoc to accompany roasted meat or meats in sauce.

Cuvée Charles 2008 Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac A.O.C. -  88/100

A concentrated colour with slight orangey glints. Aromas of stewed fruit, spices and undergrowth in the nose. Perfectly mature mouth which is balanced and round and  puts forward distinct and typical aromas. Strength is present too, this is a fully achieved vintage indeed, ready to drink.

                 DUSSERT-GERBER GUIDE 2012

An estate spreading over of 25ha of vineyards and 10ha of woodland. The different plots, ideally situated a few hundred yards from the cellar, are hand-harvested by a team of around fifteen people. Thus, the first sorting out of the grapes can be carried out in the vineyard. Although the owners previously worked in wine-making companies known for their innovations, they do not hesitate to revive the tradition when the latter can bring about improvements quality-wise. Hence, the red wines are the result of long macerations,of the natural decantation due to winter frosts and of a second fermentation when the first sunrays appear in Spring. Traditional ageing in oak barrels goes along with regular topping up.

Fine Coteaux du Languedoc cuvée Déodat de Séverat 2006, low-yielding Syrah with a tinge of Grenache and Carignan. Every year, one or several plots are especially prepared for low yields (17 to 25 hl/ha).

Coteaux du Languedoc Les Sigillées rosé 2009 which displays a bright colour and a delicate nose with aromas of citrus and fresh fruit is indeed mellow and persistent.

Fine Clairette du Languedoc Vieilles Vignes 2008 Clairette Blanche, aged in new oak barrels (30%) and in tanks on lees (70%) which exhales undertones of ripe citrus fruit and narcissus, this wine is both mellow and lively.

Delicious Coteaux du Languedoc Les Sigillées Blanc 2010, a fine wine in which overall mellowness backs up a final touch characterised by aromas of fresh citrus fruit.

Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac Cuvée Charles 2008 ( about one third of each variety Grenache, Syrah and Carignan grown on soils of rounded stones and pebbles with some red clay) is harmonious in the mouth with noticeable tannins and complex aromas of small stewed fruits.

Fine Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé Papillon. Do not hesitate either.

               HUBERT GUIDE 2011

Cuvée Charles 2008  - hints of leather, of flower and ripe red fruits, of licorice. Softened and aromatic mouth with round tannins and freshness. Will go well with roasted beef.

Les Terrasses 2007  - nose on the wild side, hinting at leather, “garrigue” and laurel. Fruity and aromatic mouth with peppery tannins and a spicy final touch. Will go well with stewed game.

Clairette du Languedoc 2009  - undertones of very ripe peach but also smoky aromas along with a smooth and round, spicy and mature mouth. Will go well with salt cod puree.

               GUIDE FLAVOURS FROM FRANCE 2011

Clairette blanche 2008 - 90/100 intense, bright and clear golden colour and fine aspect. It has a great potential for evolution and shows great complexity with, in the nose, hints  of roasted grapes, floral aromas (acacia), aromas of dried fruits, of butter, of beewax and a smoky final touch. It is rich in the mouth and its attack is powerful, ample and rich. Its evolution conveys a welcome freshness and hints of dried fruits, the wood is perfectly mellow. The final taste is long and spicy verging on cinnamon and vanilla.

A fine white, for gastronomy - To be drunk : up to 5 years from now.

Wine and dishes : salmon and marinated shrimp brochette

Cuvée Charles 2006 – 89/100  bright, clear, deep garnet-coloured red with a few traces of evolution around the rim. The nose hints at blackberries such as almost macerated morello cherries combined with tinges of mild spices and garrigue. The mouth is ample and rather well-rounded to start with. The tannic structure is perfectly integrated and harmonious. This cuvée is well-structured and displays a double-faced character with a silky aspect and a great strength.

A great piece of work - To be drunk : up to 3 years from now.

Wine and dishes : young rabbit with small grapes in light brown sugar sauce.

Les Terrasses 2007 – 89/100  Deep cherry red colour , fine, bright and clear aspect. A nose which reveals hints of eucalyptus, garrigue and spices as well as almost stewed red  and black berries. After longer contact with air, tinges of animal smell and undergrowth appear. The mouth is surprisingly fresh and the overall impression is pleasant, rather well-rounded and well-balanced. The tannins are harmonious within a firm texture. The final touch is spicy.

Smooth approach of the Terrasses du Larzac – To be drunk : up to 3 years from now.

Wine and dishes : roast strips of chicken breasts.

7 years of citations from june 2000 (1^st Vintage)  to septembre 2007…