The
wines of Clos du Gravillas
Elegant, authentic wines from France's Languedoc
Website: www.closdugravillas.com
John Bojanowski
Clos du Gravillas is the project of
Nicole and John Bojanowski, based on 8 hectares of organically
farmed vines in the Parc Naturel de Haut Languedoc. Soils here are
calcium carbonate and the altitude is 300 metres.
The project began in 1996 when Nicole
(then Nicole Fernandez) arrived in Saint Jean de Minervois to plant
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre, but in 1999 she and John (who hails
from Kentucky) got her hands on an old (1911) Carignan vineyard and
some old Grenache Blanc and Gris. The focus is very much now on
traditional Languedoc varieties such as these. In all, 15 varieties
are grown.
These wines are really impressive, aiming
at elegance rather than power, avoiding over-ripeness, and going
easy on the oak regime.
THE
WINES
Clos du Gravillas L’Inattendu
Minervois Blanc 2009 Minervois, France
A white Grenache, this is gently textured and nutty with lovely
fruit. Pure pear and apple, with a hint of melon. Fine and
expressive. 90/100
Clos du Gravillas Sous Les Cailloux
des Grillons 2010 IGP Côtes du Brian, France
An unoaked red blend of Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Mourvèdre,
Counoise, Grenache Noir and Terret Gris. Lovely purity here: this is
a fresh, focused win with dark fruits supported by good acidity and
some gravelly grip. 93/100
Clos du Gravillas Rendez Vous du
Soleil 2007 IGP Côtes du Brian, France
A blend of Syrah, Cabernet, Carignan, Mourvèdre and
Grenache Noir, aged in barrel. Bright, fruity, intense and dark with
some plums and black cherry. Lovely spiciness and a fresh finish.
92/100
Clos du Gravillas Lo Vielh 2007 IGP Côtes
du Brian, FranceAA
A varietal Carignan, aged in barrel. Wonderfully vivid black
fruits nose with a savoury, mineral edge. The palate is bright and
pure with lively fruit, good focus and some grip. A lovely intense
wine. 93/100
Wines
tasted 05/11
Find these wines with wine-searcher.com
Back
to top
|
