Minervois - Anne Gros & Jean Paul Tollot
Two highly regarded winemakers from Burgundy for over 20 years have combined
their expertise to produce some great wines from the Minervois. The reason for choosing this region was the diversity of its terroir. Limestone, clay and sandstone at an altitude
of 220 meters (same as Vosne Romanee) form the base from which 4 grape varieties
are grown, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.
A new building was designed with great attention to detail and built using simple materials. The idea was to create a structure in harmony with surroundings and most importantly the making of the wine.
This meticulous and precise nature is applied throughout and the results are clear
to see. With high scores from the like of Robert Parker (see below) and good reviews
the reputation of the Minervois continues to grow.
their expertise to produce some great wines from the Minervois. The reason for choosing this region was the diversity of its terroir. Limestone, clay and sandstone at an altitude
of 220 meters (same as Vosne Romanee) form the base from which 4 grape varieties
are grown, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.
A new building was designed with great attention to detail and built using simple materials. The idea was to create a structure in harmony with surroundings and most importantly the making of the wine.
This meticulous and precise nature is applied throughout and the results are clear
to see. With high scores from the like of Robert Parker (see below) and good reviews
the reputation of the Minervois continues to grow.
Notes from the Producer: Slow maturity, cool nights, temperatures around 17 degrees during the harvest...
This reminds us of the standard conditions in Burgundy... Harvest from September 18 to October 5. This first vintage came to life with anxious anticipation. It did not disappoint. It is vibrant. Each plot and cépage were vinified separately in order to get acquainted with their expressions. We waited a year to discover their particularity and complementarity. One year of maturing before deciding on their blending. Four wines were born. They now rest in a Burgundian shaped bottle known as The Authentic. The colour orange played a decisive role in this Domaine... Cellars, materials, labels and cartons are all in harmony, like the colour of the Earth merging with the Sun. |
Minervois covers over 5000 hectares and located close to the medieval town of Carcassone. The wines are predominantly red and now offer a diverse range of varieties and blends. Granted AOC status in 1985 the region’s reputation progressed quickly and continues to grow
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Les Carretals (95)
Carignan & Grenache A stunning wine which features complex black fruit with a salty minerality. A very elegant, med-full bodied wine which will tantalise your palate. Hard to resist now but will continue to develop over the next 15 years. |
La Ciaude (93)
Carignan, Syrah & Grenache Produced from a parcel close to the town of Cazelles, mostly Carignan from 100+ year-old vines. Classic black fruity notes with spice and minerality. A well balanced, elegant and medium bodied wine. Very enjoyable from now for 10 years. |
Les Fontanilles (93)
Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault & Carignan Both the Syrah and Grenache are from 25-year-old vines while the other 2 are from vine as old as 50 years. This is a med-full bodied gorgeous wine with a real depth of flavours and mineral notes. Can be enjoyed now but will keep for 7 years |
L'O De La Vie (90)
Syrah Tanslates as "The water of life". Made from 6 year old vines, a forward, soft, supple and beautifully fruited profile to go with lots of salty minerality, violets, pepper and juicy, berry-like fruit. Will keep for 3 to 7 years |
La 50/50 (89)
Syrah, Carignan It's a medium-bodied, elegant and forward effort that has pretty purple fruits, crushed violets, pepper and hints of leather. To be enjoyed over 3 to 4 years. |