
The worst frost in decades in french vineyards
During the first few weeks of April, France suffered an unprecedented cold spell which forced winegrowers to fight relentlessly against frost for several consecutive nights
Terrasses du Larzac is an AOC of Languedoc in southern France. Officially recognized in 2014, the red wine appellation area covers 32 communes among the foothills of Larzac with its northern boundary naturally formed by the Causse du Larzac.
Because the rainfall, Terrasses du Larzac is distinctly seasonal throughout spring and fall, the climate here is typically Mediterranean. However, thanks to their proximity to the mountains of the southern Massif Central, the appellation’s vineyards enjoy the benefits of cooler nights after hot days. Increased diurnal temperature variation is a valuable factor in the local terroir, helping to provide balance between sugar and acidity in the grapes.
Terrasses du Larzac wines have a brilliant ruby colour. Garrigue aromas (bay, thyme) dominate the nose. They open very fresh, well balanced with good spice and tannin. Many will age well (3 to 5 years or more).
Beatrice and Sebastien Fillon decided to turn their lives upside down, in 2006, by buying the 15 hectares domaine, the Clos du Serres. It was a total change of direction for Beatrice and for Sebastien.
Born in St Etienne, Sebastien grew up in a rural, agricultural environment, so he knew about working the land. It was Beatrice, who hailed from Montpellier, chose the area : ‘We wanted to change our lives, to move South to the only region where there is still land to clear’.
They were won over by the quality of life, surrounded by wild, unspoilt nature, set among olive groves, vines and the wild garrigue, close to some great natural sites (Lake Salagou, St Guilhem le Desert, the Herault gorges) but not far (40 kms) from Montpellier.
Sebastien et Béatrice chose to buy this domain ‘to abandon a lifestyle where speed was of the essence, which seemed more and more unreal’.
Sébastien Fillon took on the role of president of the Terrasses du Larzac appellation in July 2019. Sebastien et Béatrice want to continue the work undertaken by their predecessors, which allowed the appellation to gain a strong notoriety. For this they intend to focus on relationships, tastings and sharing knowledge.
The estate is certified organic farming since 2012. According to them, being a winegrower means being in harmony with nature, sculpting the countryside, caring for and loving the land on which we live.
Their goal is to bring the best of the terroir to life, combining fruit and freshness, with fine and silky tannins.
During the first few weeks of April, France suffered an unprecedented cold spell which forced winegrowers to fight relentlessly against frost for several consecutive nights
The producers of La Confrérie des Domaines have also placed 2021 under the sign of projects. We are going to present you 3 novelties for 2021.
La Confrérie des Domaines is constantly seeking to offer you exceptional domains and wines, unearthed from the best French terroirs.
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