2019 Domaine La Terrasse d'Elise Les Hauts de Carol's
WINEMAKER: Xavier Braujou
REGION: Languedoc, FR
VARIETAL: Cinsault
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
"Cinsault is a passion of Xavier's and this is his finest example, the name of the Cuvee is after the lieu-dit it comes from, a secluded parcel of old vines nestled amongst forest away from it all. This has extended elevage and is released as a vintage older than the other wines. This has everything that the Pradel has but more, and without sacrificing the beautiful freshness and elegance. This is complex and utterly compelling, brambly red fruit, fennel and thyme - superb tannins and focus and super purity on the finish." - Andrew Guard
One of the great discoveries for me so far are the wines of Xavier Braujou's La Terrasse d’Elise. Here we have an estate producing wines from a special terroir in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac, his vines between those of Mas de Daumas Gassac and Granges des Peres, what a holy trinity. The land here is glacial scree on top of limestone and it imbues the wines with a freshness and clarity that is exceptional, these are Languedoc wines of uncanny finesse and elegance.
Xavier’s vision is simple “if the vineyard is clear and beautiful, the wines will be too”. He is following organic and biodynamic principals. The grapes are picked entirely by hand. In the cellar Xavier is as little interventionist as possible. The ageing is in old barrels or in stainless steel tanks. Ultimately here are wines that display an incredible suppleness and a beautiful richness on the palate.