The family history of Clos Bagatelle
From mothers to daughters
This superb family and historic propertySaint-Chinianhas been cultivating vines on its Mediterranean terroir since 1653.Clos Bagatellehas the unique characteristic of being passed down within the same family, from mother to daughter, since the 20th century. As luck would have it, the historical coat of arms ofClos Bagatelleis a woman in armor. This perfectly reflects the history of the domain, which has almost always been represented by adventurous women.
In 1963, Christine and Luc's mother was in charge of operations. That was thenChristinewho takes over a few years later, with the help of his brotherLucToday, they have been managing the family estate with perfect precision for over 20 years. Their ambition is to bring their wines to their peak. Rigor is a true watchword for this winemaking duo, who strive to produce wines of great finesse.
Everyone at their post.Lucis in charge of managing the vineyard andChristineto market the wines. They meet in the cellar for the winemaking process. Luc's wife,FrançoiseShe joined the adventure. She manages the organization of life on the estate and the shipments of wines that travel all over the world.
Geological walk in the Clos Bagatelle
A mosaic of 4 terroirs
A beautiful geological heritage offers 4 magnificent terroirs atClos Bagatelle.
The terroir of DonnadieuThis terroir is a descendant of the ancient Hercynian mountain range. This plot is situated on the heights, surrounded by rockroses (small shrubs), pines, and oaks. The vines grow in schist soil; these layered stones retain heat. This terroir allows for the production of wines with garrigue aromas and a distinctly Mediterranean character.
The terroir of AssignanOften described as a child of the Pyrenees, this terroir is located near Saint-Chinian, high up at an altitude of 250 meters. The vines are rooted in sandstone terraces. This type of soil allows for the production of elegant red wines and highly mineral white wines.
The terroir of Saint Jean de MinervoisThis terroir is located at an altitude of 300 meters, the ideal location for Muscat grapes. The vines grow on a beautiful white, stony plateau. The sun is abundant, the soils are poor, and the vines are low-lying. Consequently, they produce very little juice.
The Lauze terroirThis terroir is a natural enclosed vineyard nestled in the valley, surrounded by dry stone walls, pines, and oaks. The climatic conditions are ideal for vine cultivation. The wines from this terroir are characterized by their vibrancy and smoothness.
The winemaking process brings out the full typicity of the different plots.
Saint-Chinian: the region's flagship appellation
The estate produces the majority of its wines under the appellationSaint-ChinianThe Lauze, Donnadieu, and Assignan plots produce only wines of this appellation. It is the fourth largest appellation by volume in the vineyards of theLanguedoc-RoussillonThe grape varieties ofSaint-ChinianThe vineyards are dominated by Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre. Red wines are often blended with Carignan, and rosé wines with Cinsault. The Saint Jean de Minervois plot, however, produces wines under the appellation.Muscat Saint-Jean-de-MinervoisThe wines are produced from a single grape variety, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The terroir, combined with the winemaker's skillful work, gives the wine a beautiful subtlety and great freshness.
