We don’t work a lot with the wines of Southern France so you can be sure that when we do, we have a good reason to! Here that reason begins with the talented Brunnhilde Claux (ex-Domaine Gauby and Terroir al Límit) and the stunning vineyards of Domaine de Courbissac, carved from the limestone terraces and plateaus of the Minervois high country. Here the mineral soils and altitude bring finesse, while the sunny, Mediterranean climate ensures regular ripeness. Strictly organic (biodynamic) in the vineyards and old-school minimalist in the cellars, Claux produces wines of remarkable finesse from these rocky, limestone soils.

Les Traverses is drawn from the Estate’s younger vines (aged between 12 and 25 years), a blend of roughly equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, hand-harvested from 11 parcels surrounding the cellar in the heart of Cesseras within the La Livinière Cru of the Minervois appellation. As for all of Claux’s wines, the fruit for this wine was farmed biodynamically. Natural fermentation was in concrete vat (100% whole-bunch) with minimal sulphur. The grapes were gently foot-stomped, followed by a short maturation (six months). As always this is a cracking value: a pulpy, spicy and juicy red with ripe red fruits, thyme, bay leaf and lavender notes. A breath of fresh air in the context of Minervois, and wonderful introduction to this exciting Domaine.