Domaine de Montcalmès

The Domaine de Montcalmès is one of the Languedoc's quality benchmarks, particularly in the Terrasses du Larzac sector, where it has made a significant contribution to the recognition of the region's wines' potential for ageing and finesse. Established in a complex geological environment and benefiting from a climate marked by Mediterranean and continental influences, the Domaine de Montcalmès is developing a deliberately limited production, based on viticultural precision and oenological mastery.

The vineyards of Domaine de Montcalmès rest on predominantly limestone and clay-limestone soils, located in the foothills of the Larzac causse. This relative altitude, combined with significant temperature variations between day and night, favors slow, gradual ripening of the grapes. The climate, characterized by dry, breezy summers, enables the vineyard to maintain a good state of health while preserving acidity levels compatible with well-balanced wines suitable for aging.

Vineyard management at Domaine de Montcalmès is based on principles close to organic farming, with particular attention paid to respecting the soil and limiting inputs. Mechanical work, regular observation of plots and adaptation to climatic conditions are central to vineyard management. Yields are deliberately controlled in order to prioritize concentration and the quality of the raw material.

The grape varieties grown at Domaine de Montcalmès reflect an approach that is both regional and singular. For reds, the estate combines Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, a blend inspired by the great Mediterranean balances, but interpreted in a search for freshness and tension. For the whites, the blend is based mainly on roussanne and marsanne, demanding grape varieties but particularly well-suited to limestone soils and long ageing.

Harvesting at Domaine de Montcalmès is done by hand, with a rigorous selection of grapes. The choice of harvest dates aims to achieve full phenolic ripeness without excess alcoholic richness. This approach preserves the natural balance of the wines and avoids overripe profiles, often associated with southern areas.

Winemaking at Domaine de Montcalmès is characterized by measured intervention. Fermentations are carried out using indigenous yeasts, in containers adapted to each cuvée. Extractions are controlled to preserve tannic finesse and fruit expression. Cellar work aims to accompany the raw material without constraining it, in a logic of precision rather than technical demonstration.

Red cuvée - Domaine de Montcalmès

The cuvée rouge du Domaine de Montcalmès is the historic heart of production. It is made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with each grape variety vinified separately before final blending. This cuvée benefits from long ageing, mainly in barrels and foudres, with controlled use of wood so as not to mask the wine's identity.

The wine generally presents a dense yet balanced structure, with a precise tannic framework and marked freshness. The aromatic profile revolves around black fruits, spicy notes and mineral nuances, reflecting the influence of limestone soils. On the palate, the Domaine de Montcalmès red cuvée stands out for its length and ageing potential, which can extend over several decades depending on the vintage.

Cuvée blanc - Domaine de Montcalmès

The white cuvée from Domaine de Montcalmès is based on a blend of roussanne and marsanne, demanding grape varieties requiring great precision both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Yields are particularly low, which contributes to the wine's concentration and complexity. Vinification is followed by barrel ageing, with work on fine lees aimed at adding texture without weighing down the profile.

The wine is characterized by an ample structure, supported by a natural acidity that ensures balance and ageing capacity. The aromatic register combines notes of white-fleshed fruit, dried flowers and slightly honeyed nuances, evolving over time towards more complex aromas. The white cuvée from Domaine de Montcalmès stands out for its ability to evolve favorably over ten to fifteen years, which remains relatively rare for a white wine from the Languedoc.