Contents
The field: history, philosophy & situation
Domaine As Clots is located in the commune of Cestayrols, in the heart of the golden triangle made up of the following towns: Albi, Cordes and Gaillac.
The vineyard covers around 5 hectares and comprises 3 main blocks, located on the ridge between Vère and Tarn, at an average altitude of 240 meters.
Olivier Leclère, owner of the estate, really got going in 2015, after training to become an oenologist. As he writes, he “started from nothing, and had to acquire everything”.
This healthy, environmentally-conscious man wanted to do everything naturally, so as to have “nothing but the taste of the grape and the flavors of the land”.
Olivier’s philosophy is simple: grapes ripened with their own yeast, no oenological or technical “make-up”, manual and natural viticulture, a minimum of tools and specifications where the watchword is “natural”.
Vineyards and terroir
Terroir is made up of different elements ideal for vine growth. The soils are clay-limestone. Situated between the ocean and the sea, the vineyards benefit from the humid influence of the Atlantic and the warmth of the Mediterranean. What’s more, the Autan, a hot, drying wind, combined with this area’s conflicting climatic influences, provides ideal conditions for vines, giving birth to great wines.
Indigenous grape varieties, which are the hallmark of this terroir, will not leave you indifferent: since they only exist in this region, it’s well worth giving them a try.
The vintages: grape varieties & tastes
Domaine As Clots offers two different cuvées: 1 red wine and 1 white wine, each with its own specific characteristics.
Le Brelan red is a blend of 3 grape varieties: 50% Duras, 25% Prunelart and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Duras is a grape variety native to the Gaillac region in the Tarn. It thrives on poor, chalky soils, and needs plenty of sun: a southwestern location is therefore perfect for its ripening. Its berries yield a small quantity of juice, but of great quality: they produce wines with a high alcohol content, fine, silky tannins and spicy, peppery aromas.
Prunelart is one of Gaillac’s oldest grape varieties, and has been the subject of renewed interest in recent years. A descendant of Malbec, this grape produces a colorful, well-balanced wine for laying down, with aromas of ripe fruit and spices.
The qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon are added to this blend: it brings tannins, black fruit aromas and power!
Brelan red wine has a black cherry color, surprisingly bright for a natural wine. The nose is fragrant, with cherry, blackcurrant and vegetal notes of moss or earth. The palate is generous, fleshy and full-bodied, with a pleasant smoky note and a fresh finish. This cuvée needs to be decanted to bring out its full aromas. Ideal with game or fine red meats.
The domaine will soon be offering 2 other red wine cuvées, so stay tuned!
The White Orange offered by Domaine As Clots is very special. This is the wine’s fourth color: white grapes, a blend of Mauzac and Loin de l’œil, vinified as a red, with whole berries. Fermentation lasts 3 weeks, thanks to the yeasts naturally present. Pressing is gentle, and the wine is aged on fine lees.
This cuvée has a golden color with orange highlights, and is soft and pleasant on the nose, with scents of dried fruits such as apricot. On the palate, delicacy and charm transport you: a certain oxidized character is felt with notes of apples, spices and dried fruits such as walnuts. Quite disconcerting to taste a slightly tannic, vinous wine at a cool temperature. But it’s a nice surprise, with a nice freshness and a thirst-quenching side without losing character. It’s a perfect accompaniment to aperitifs around the sea, or raclette throughout the meal, as well as a mature Beaufort cheese. And keep in mind that a 100% Loin de l’œil version of this cuvée is just around the corner!
Domaine As Clots will surprise you and take you on a journey to the South-West!
