Domaine du Clos des Fées : Grenache Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Domaine du Clos des Fées Blanc 2023

Tasting

Colour
Pale gold enhanced by subtle green highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals notes of white peach, broom flower, tropical fruit, and honeysuckle, offering a lovely complexity that evolves delicately with aeration.

Palate
Powerful and rich, the palate reveals delicious aromas of roasted fruit and citrus. The whole stands out through remarkable breadth and exceptional length, perfectly balanced by a refreshing liveliness.

Food and Wine Pairing

This white wine pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood, wild fish grilled on a plancha with a beurre blanc sauce, or spiced dishes such as samosas.

Service and Storage

With excellent aging potential, this Domaine du Clos des Fées Blanc 2023 can be enjoyed now or cellared for enjoyment until around 2043.

The Authentic Expression of Roussillon Terroir by Domaine du Clos des Fées

The Estate

Founded in 1998 by Hervé Bizeul, former Best Young Sommelier of France, and his wife Claudine, Domaine du Clos des Fées is a key reference in Roussillon. Born in a simple garage, the estate has grown patiently to reach today's 40 hectares of vines in production. The current owners favor an artisanal approach, minimal intervention, and the preservation of biodiversity. The estate stands out for its ability to reveal the excellence and geological complexity of its terroir, elevating its cuvées among the most acclaimed in the region.

The Vineyard

Located on the Vingrau plateau in the Agly valley, the vineyard rises between 200 and 400 meters in altitude. The plots, facing north and west, rest on complex clay-limestone soils. Subject to intense winds and drought conditions, the very old vines develop deep root systems to draw their resources. This unique terroir, classified under IGP Côtes Catalanes, is cultivated according to the principles of sustainable farming, with meticulous soil management, the use of natural fertilizers, and entirely manual harvesting.

The Vintage

The year 2023 was marked by a historic drought in the region. After a season that started slowly due to cool temperatures and a water deficit carried over from the previous year, a single spring rainfall enabled bud development. The complete absence of rainfall until the October harvest required tremendous efforts to preserve the vines. Despite these extreme climatic conditions, the growing cycle resulted in grapes of exceptional quality, offering perfect ripeness and balance.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes destined for Domaine du Clos des Fées Blanc 2023 are harvested in small crates and transported by refrigerated trucks. Low-temperature pneumatic pressing is carried out on whole clusters to preserve the freshness of the juices. Fermentation takes place slowly in stainless steel tanks for part of the harvest, while the rest ferments in used barrels with regular lees stirring. Aging continues on fine lees for five to eight months, followed by light fining and gentle filtration before bottling in the spring.

Grape Varieties

90% Grenache Blanc
10% Grenache Gris