Finesse and elegance characterise this stunning white wine from one of Saint-Chinian's most dynamic estates.
Production
This wine is made from a blend of Roussane (60%), Carignan Blanc (20%), Grenache Blanc (15%) and Vermentino (5%). 60 year old Carignan Blanc vines grow in limestone soil, almost 50 year old Grenache Blanc vines in schist soil. The Roussanne and Vermentino vines - merely 15 years old - are grown at higher altitude in sandstone soils.The Roussanne is grown on a plot bought in 2003, situated on a high plateau with a very particular terroir of grès rouge (red sandstone) and chalk. The wines produced here have great finesse and vivacity. The grapes were gently pressed in whole bunches without destemming. The juice was settled after 36 hours at 4°C. Fermentation was at low temperature (16°C) for 8 days then a part of the wine was aged in new oak barrels for 2 months with daily stirring of the lees. The malolactic fermentation took place in casks. The last stage of ageing was in enamelled steel vats.
Clos Bagatelle, Saint-Chinian Blanc 2023 (6 bottles case)
Vivino ratings
Tasting notes
A restrained nose of almonds and leafy, herbaceous aromas. Lovely mouthfeel, elegant and linear with proper structure and weight. Fine and complete with a delicate mineral finish.
Food match
The winemaker searched for the right balance between finesse and floral aromas and as such this is a great paring with scallops, oysters and shellfish; or go completely the other direction and serve with something rich and hearty such as sautéed duck livers and mushrooms in a cream sauce.
Info
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ABV
13.5%
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CASE/BOTTLE SIZE
6 x 75cl
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REGION/COUNTRY
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
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GRAPE
ROUSSANNE 60%, CARIGNAN BLANC 20%, GRENACHE BLANC 15%
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FEATURES
VEGETARIAN, SUSTAINABLE
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CLOSURE
CORK
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WINEMAKER
CHRISTINE DELEUZE
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APPELLATION
SAINT CHINIAN
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ALLERGEN INFO
CONTAINS SULPHITES AND EGG
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Meet the producer
The domaine had been passed from mother to daughter for five generations when Marie-Françoise, the mother of the current owners, took over the property and set about renovating the vineyard. New vines were planted, two new cellars were installed alongside the 18th century original and she was the first to extend the limits of the estate by purchasing land in the tiny neighbouring Muscat appellation of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. During a period when few people believed that Languedoc wines could improve with time, she set about crafting ageworthy wines to lay down.
Since 1995, the next generation, Christine Deleuze and her brother Luc Simon, have continued the family tradition; adding the Donnadieu and Assignan vineyards to the family holdings and producing wines of great character. Everything is hand-picked and sorted and there is minimal intervention in the vineyard. Christine, dynamic and clearly passionate about her wines, is working hard to increase the sustainability of winemaking at Clos Bagatelle.