The appellation of St. Chinian covers 20 villages. Whilst its vineyards are not solely confined to the actual village of St. Chinian, the Domaine Clos Bagatelle is situated on its outskirts. This is a surprisingly busy, bustling village, situated in a deep valley. Approaching from Beziers, the road winds down the hairpin bends like a scene from a movie, passing through the vibrant centre with its many bars, shops and restaurants before climbing steeply up a mirror hill out the other side. Domaine Clos Bagatelle is set back on the left, at the very brow of the hill with panoramic views across St. Chinian and its undulating vineyards. The Clos Bagatelle lieu-dit from which the domaine takes its name, has been the much treasured possession of the same family since 1623, when it was acquired by local draper, Pierre Mercadier. He could immediately see the potential of the terroir and after years of hard work to improve the land, began to plant his first vines. The love of the vineyard has passed through the generations and is run today by Christine Deleuze, whose parents had worked hard to improve the quality of the wine by lovingly and diligently replanting the vineyards with carefully selected vine stock. Today Christine has continued to build on all the effort and devotion of her ancestors. The oldest vines are now around 100 years of age and the 60 hectares are worked by lutte raisonnee, moving towards ‘bio’. All the vineyards are hand harvested with careful selection. An obvious perfectionist, it soon becomes apparent that Christine is her own worst critic, always looking for what will make the wine better next time. Tasting this beautifully crafted example of St. Chinian Tradition, it is hard to believe it can be bettered. The balance of this wine and the refreshingly individual Aux 4 Vents Blanc is faultless. Over a light lunch we talk about the appellations of southern France and the great potential that they offer. Obviously, this holds no surprise for Christine or her family who have all invested so much of their time, toil and talent over the centuries. However she cannot resist a wry smile as she remembers a few of the ‘one hit wonders’ who have moved into the area and found overnight fame with their ‘cuvee speciale’ only to vanish into obscurity the following year when they fail to replicate their success or over-inflate their prices inline with their egos. There is no danger of that here. Chrisitne works her vineyards with an inherent understanding, producing wines of purity, typicity and consistency.
Per case ex VAT
Southern France
2008 St. Chinian 'Cuvee Tradition' The cepage here is 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsualt. After a very traditional vinification, the wine is aged for 18 months in foudre. Really harmonious on the palate with mouth filling red and black fruits and hints of garrigue. Sort and velvety with no drying tannins, this is a wine which offers immediate pleasure whilst possessing an impressive intensity, complexity and finesse. (VR)
90.00
2008 VdP Blanc, Aux 4 Vents A blend of 25% Sauvignon, 20% Vermentino, 20% Roussane, 15% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Muscat sec. This is a beautifully balanced dry white wine, with really floral aromatics and super richness of fruit with zesty acidity. A wine of great charm and individuality. (VR)
81.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £11.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £19.26
sparkling wines £24.67
fortified wines £25.68
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
