Domaine Clos des Roques

For many years the Gastou family sold their grapes to the local co-operative, but came to believe they weren’t doing justice to the exceptionally well-sited old vineyards at their disposal. The domaine is based in the village of Cesseras and holdings are split into three different parcels, of which 50% is Carignan, an exciting 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache.

As one might expect the combination of terroirs and varietals allows the Gastous to maintain a high-quality level and produce a wine of real personality and interest. The Grenache brings fat and richness, the Mourvèdre gorgeous aromatics and the Carignan structure and intensity. There is lots of fruit and warmth yet a nice refreshing crunch runs through the core. La Livernière became the first Cru of Minervois in 1999 and its wonderful 350 hectares sit on a mixture of limestone, pebbles, sand and clay, where alluvial deposit and erosion have patiently carried out their work.