Terrasses du Larzac is a unique and exciting site in the vast Côteaux du Languedoc, just west of Pic Saint Loup. Le Pas de l’Escalette is the historic trail linking the Mediterranean plain to the high Larzac plateau. Not long ago mules were the principal mode of travel along this challenging transitional landscape.
“Le Causse du Larzac,” as the locals call the south-western part of the Massif Central, offers shelter and a check on the intense summertime heat – it makes this area, surprisingly, one of the coolest in the Languedoc (i.e. a longer, tempered ripening season and grapes that retain their balance and acidity). Twenty hectares of vineyard, divided among 50 separate parcels, nestled on 350m high terraces, supported by clapas – huge dry stone walls.
The owners, Delphine and Julien Zernott, were fortunate to acquire parcels with vines aged between 45 and 80 years, most head-pruned, naturally limiting yields. Half the parcels face east and enjoy the rising sun, the rest face west and benefit from the setting sun. Grapes are de-stemmed and fermented in 50hl oak casks with native yeast. Malolactic fermentation and aging takes place in smaller wood casks for about 10 months.
Vin de Pays de l’Hérault Les Clapas Blanc…Carignan white and Terret Bourret mixed with Grenache, both white and gray. This gastronomic white wine combines its Mediterranean heritage with the minerality and freshness of the Escalette terroir.
Coteaux du Languedoc Ze rozé…Vinified like a white wine, Ze rozé stands out for its crisp elegance and drinkability.
Coteaux du Languedoc Les Petits Pas…These are the footprints of the winemakers’ two sons, Jules and Gabriel. Marked by its youth and freshness, it is an accessible and convivial wine.
Terrasses du Larzac Les Clapas Rouge…This blend is in the image of the clapas (piles of stones): mineral. Its sappy side comes from the whole cluster fermentation of Syrah.
Coteaux du Languedoc Le Pas de D…A “two-step” interpretation by Delphine of an historic blend, a lasagna-like fermentation of Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault. This wine is all about Mediterranean vibrancy and gusto.
Coteaux du Languedoc Le Grand Pas…The ultimate expression of their Languedoc adventure: mainly Grenache, this field-blend combines the delicacy of its high altitude sub-soil and the generosity of its sun-trap terrace.
