Clos de la Barthassade - "Les Gravettes" TERRASSES DU LARZAC Rouge 2021 750ml (13.5% abv)

WINE CLUB SELECTION - JUNE 2024

One of the few great appellations of the world that is still approachable for young vignerons, Terrasses du Larzac is about 45 minutes northwest of Montpellier in the Languedoc. The rugged, dry, windy lands are home to many legendary producers (Mas de Daumas Gassac and Grange des Pères to name a few). It is here that Guillaume and Hélène Baron staked their claim, acquiring 25 acres of vineyards and producing their first vintage in 2014.

The location and varieties planted in each vineyard were carefully analyzed and selected by the very exacting Guillaume. Syrah and Grenache are grown in Combariolles, where the nights are cold and the soil rocky, producing very perfumed, Côte-Rôtie-like wines. Cinsault, Carignan and some Grenache are grown in one of the best terroirs in Montpeyroux (called La Barthassade). Here, the sun-drenched terraces still see a lot of rain, and the combination of heat and water allows the grapes to reach perfect maturity. 

Nothing is left to chance here: the vineyards are cultivated with biodynamic practices and concrete eggs, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and old barrels are used in the cellar with the wines moved only by gravity. Guillaume takes the unusual step–rare for Languedoc–of using 50-80% whole cluster, depending on the cuvée, which imparts very unique character to the wines. The results are extremely impressive, with every wine speaking clearly of its origin with elegance, balance and purity of fruit. While production is extremely small and the demand in France is already exceeding expectation, the potential of this domaine cannot be overstated.

The Terrasses du Larzac Les Gravettes showcases a radiant Grenache, flourishing on the finest terroirs of the appellation, Montpeyroux and Jonquières. The stony soils and altitude deliver a refreshing ensemble of flavors, with smoky notes, ripe fruits, and spice which glide over an elegant, supple, and fresh structure. The carefully balanced aging between large wooden containers, barrels, and concrete eggs preserves the wine's purity and definition. It's a bottle worth discovering for its finesse and elegance.

Vineyard sources: 80% La Barthassade, 20% Celles des Combariolles & Bois de Paulhaut.

Limestone scree with some plots more sandy and others with more clay deposits

can be cellared for 5-8 years

region:  Terrasses du Larzac, Languedoc, France

varietal: 55% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 15% Syrah

style: earthy red

farming/cellar: certified organic and biodynamic. Hand-harvested. Whole-bunch vinification (60% Grenache, 50% Syrah) in temperature-controlled vats, pumping over for 2/3 of the fermentation, followed by punching of the cap and a 3-week vatting period. Aged 17 months in demi-muids, barrels and concrete eggs. Uncorrected, unyeasted, unfined and unfiltered. Bottled on the estate.

pairing: Beef with pepper sauce, suckling lamb with rosemary, Iberian ribs grilled or oven-roasted.