Domaine Clos des Roques

For several years Nelly and Christian Gastou used to sell their grapes to the local co-operative, but they felt they weren’t doing justice to the wonderful old vineyards they had in the domaine. They, therefore, decided to consult with Christian’s brother-in-law, Claude Serra, who makes the wines at Villa Saint Roch. 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 and 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.