Domaine des Creisses

The history of Domaine des Creisses

Domaine des Creisses is a Languedoc family estate that was established in the 19th century. It is located five minutes west of the town of Pézenas, once the capital of Languedoc.

Three generations continued to run the estate throughout the 20th century. Since 1998, it has been managed by Philippe Chesnelong. He works with his cousin, Louis Mitjavile, who specializes in vinification and ageing.

The Domaine des Creisses vineyard

Domaine des Creisses is located in the Languedoc region, halfway between the sea and the mountains. It's less than half an hour from the Mediterranean and the Etang de Thau to the south. To the north, it is bordered by the holm oak forests of the Hérault foothills. The Domaine des Creisses soils are porous and draining. They are supple enough for the vines to plunge their roots deep into them to draw the water and nutrients that are essential to them.

The Domaine des Creisses vineyard occupies two terroirs, Les Creisses and Les Brunes. Les Creisses is an 11-hectare plateau of stony clay-limestone soil. Its deep soil is ideally suited to the vines. The plateau continues over 20 hectares of gravelly Villafranchian slopes, dotted with woods and copses.

Les Creisses is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault.

Les Brunes represent a volcanic terroir. They owe their name to the dark basalt soil. The grape varieties grown on its slopes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre.

The Domaine des Creisses vineyard is run with the greatest respect for nature and the environment. It is now certified HVE, Haute Valeur Environnementale. The vineyard is treated with predominantly natural components, used sparingly.

Grass cover in half the vineyard, along with recurrent contributions of organic matter, enable the soil to find a good balance and remain naturally healthy.

The wines of Domaine des Creisses

Les Creisses

Cuvée Les Creisses is a blend of 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 8% Carignan and 8% Cinsault.

The wine is very fruity and low in acidity. It is enhanced by fine, greedy tannins. It is rather complex, with aromas of red and black fruits, notably redcurrant and blackcurrant, backed by spicy notes. Dense and fresh on the palate. This structured wine offers a long finish, which retains its spicy touches.

Les Brunes

Cuvée Les Brunes is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Syrah. It is a highly aromatic, intense wine. Its nose blends blackcurrant, vanilla and licorice. Its palate reveals very fine spicy notes.

The wine is greedy and well-balanced, with remarkable ageing potential.