Domaine de Sauzet
is located at the foot of the Grotte des Demoiselles and has the distinction of being one of the oldest vineyards in the Languedoc region. From the moment François Massol acquired this beautiful ruined property in 1995, his vision was clear. He invested all his money and time, re-planted the old vines, and studied oenology in order to realize his dream of revitalizing the old vineyard and producing the best wine here! As a result, Domaine de Sauzet has been reborn, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and located just 30 minutes from Montpellier.
The winery has the latest winemaking technology, with selection and destemming done directly on top of the tanks and a system that uses gravity to naturally drop the grapes. Through these innovations, Domaine de Sauzet produces wines with the greatest possible respect for the soil and grapes. In addition, the climate and soil characteristics of the Languedoc region also contribute greatly to the quality of the wines. The complex soils of the region include clay-limestone soils, rolled pebbles, marl, and silt, which give the wines their unique flavor. It also has a Mediterranean climate that is sunny and dry but cool, with sufficient moisture supplied by abundant rainfall in the autumn and winter. Winter is harsh, with temperatures dropping to -15°C, which kills parasitic fungi. In summer, high daytime temperatures and cool nights allow the grapes to reach optimum phenolic ripeness, and late harvesting produces wines with moderate alcohol content.
Domaine de Sauzet is certified organic and has a high awareness of environmental protection. The valley has very low agricultural pressure, which combined with a dry and healthy climate, means that the risk of vine diseases is low and minimal protections are needed. This allows the wine to retain its complexity and aromatic freshness while reducing the stress on the natural environment.
Domaine de Sauzet’s vineyards are planted with a wide variety of grape varieties. From old to young vines, Grenache, Carignan, Aramon, Cinsault, Alicante Bouschet, Merlot, and Syrah blend with younger vines planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Viognier, Roussanne, and Vermentino are grown. These various varietals add to the range of blends and aromatic complexity of the wines.
Vinification takes place in specialized tanks where the ripe grapes are harvested by hand from each plot. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out using native and selected yeasts and is managed simply and effectively. Extraction is done manually, producing wines with different tannin levels. Rosé and white wines are also vinified in their own specific ways.
Sulfur is important to wine as an antioxidant and preservative, but large amounts of sulfites can damage aromas. Domaine de Sauzet tries to minimize the use of sulfites and maximize natural flavors. For example, the sulfite-free cuvées “Madame M.” and “Jeanne & André” are particularly popular.
Domaine de Sauzet has been growing organically since the first plantings and obtained organic certification in 2012. This certification provides customers with confidence in viticulture and winemaking practices, and is especially secure for international customers. In addition, a tree-planting project has expanded the vineyard area to 30 hectares ( equal to 55,000 bottles) in 2023.
Domaine de Sauzet is an ideal location where nature and history interweave to produce high quality wines. Care for the natural environment, organic cultivation, and innovative winemaking techniques are used to provide wines of great complexity and aromatic freshness. Domaine de Sauzet is a wine of local charm and passion. (Mr. Bacchus)
HIC & NUNC * by Domaine de Sauzet
Our nugget is solid gold! The first vintage in 2012 received a “coup de coeur” from the RVF (Revue des Vins de France) The second, in 2017, won a gold medal at the world competition of organic wines (Millésime Bio).
The third, vintage 2019, has just won a gold medal at the prestigious DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARD, today the most selective and rigorous in the world, with the excellent score of 96. We are very few to reach this tasting score. And we are proud of it!
HIC & NUNC is a very special wine. It exists…or not. A micro-cuvée (between 450 and 1200 bottles per vintage), it only exists if, when tasting our barrels of different grape varieties, one or more “stand out” and knock us down. Otherwise….nothing. And above all, no preconceived ideas about the grape variety. Let the best one or more win. Thus, the 2019 vintage is a blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon and grenache. The 2020 is an almost pure syrah, with a drop of mourvèdre. The next one (when ?…), will be maybe a 100% carignan ! Total freedom then, it is there or not, and when it is there …. it explodes the palates. “Here and now” (in Latin) is let’s enjoy every moment where it is present !
Tasting note : A wonderfully open nose; cassis, rosemary-infused roasted meat and oaky notes. The palate is complex and opulent, blackberries, cherries, figs and pomegranates through long finish.
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