Domaine BOUDAU

The history of Domaine Boudau

Domaine Boudau was created in the 1920s by Hippolyte Boudau, who started out with just a few plots of vines. When he died in 1940, his son Henri inherited the estate and decided to focus on wines that were very fashionable at the time: Vins Doux Naturels, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Rivesaltes. Domaine Boudau's grape varieties were revised to include more Grenache Noir.

Henri died prematurely at the age of 44, in 1967. His widow, Anne-Marie, took over the estate, which now covered 60 hectares, entirely dedicated to the production of Vins Doux Naturels. She continued to produce Muscat de Rivesaltes and Rivesaltes, but reduced the estate to its current size of 50 hectares.

In the 1980s, Vins Doux Naturels became less sought-after, and in 1992 a new direction was taken to produce dry wines. Since 1993, Domaine Boudau has been run by Anne-Marie and Henri's two youngest children: Véronique and Pierre.

The Domaine Boudau vineyard

Domaine Boudau extends around the commune of Rivesaltes and is divided into two distinct terroirs: Le Clos and Les Terrasses. Le Clos comprises 23 hectares in a single block, at the entrance to the Agly valley. It is located in the communes of Salses and Espira de l'Agly, which form the foothills of the Corbières.

The vines cover clay-limestone soil on bedrock, on steep, southeast-facing hills and slopes. The vines are battered by the tramontane wind and benefit from the sea air. The grape varieties are Grenache and Syrah.

Les Terrasses is also made up of a single plot covering 27 hectares. The clay-limestone soil supports Grenache Noir vines, which appreciate the large river pebbles that store the sun's heat and release it at night. Malvoisie, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Maccabeu and Mourvèdre complete the vineyard. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified in the new winery built in 2018.

The wines of Domaine Boudau

The Muscat de Noël

Made from 100% Muscat d'Alexandrie grapes, Muscat de Noël boasts a brilliant straw-gold color. Its fine nose exudes aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and fresh mint.

The palate is greedy, perfectly balanced and very fruity.

Domaine Boudau Muscat de Noël is best drunk within its first two years.

Le Closi Rosé

Domaine Boudau's Closi Rosé is composed of 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah and 20% Cinsault.

It boasts a magnificent, brilliant fuchsia color. Its nose is gourmand, filled with red fruit and English candy flavors.

On the palate, the attack is straightforward. It's balanced and lively, still very fruity. The wine's long finish is a pleasure to savor.