Vineyards and winemaking
Les Brunes takes its name from the dark brown basalt soils of an ancient volcanic flow near Pézenas. The south-east-facing site gives Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah a distinctive combination of concentration, mineral depth and Mediterranean ripeness.
The 2020 is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Syrah. After full destemming and a warm, extended maceration, the wine was matured for approximately 16 months in new French oak selected for fine grain and measured toast.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Opaque garnet-purple, dense at the core with a vivid ruby rim.
Nose
Cassis, black plum and blueberry are layered with violet, graphite and crushed rock. Cedar, cocoa nib and smoky spice reflect the élevage without obscuring the fruit.
Palate
Powerful and tightly composed, with concentrated black fruit, fresh acidity and a formidable but finely shaped tannic frame. Liquorice, dark chocolate and basaltic minerality extend the long, savoury finish.
Food pairing
Give this structured wine substantial dishes: roast venison with blackberry-free jus, rib of beef with bone-marrow crumb, braised short ribs, or an aubergine and smoked-lentil moussaka. Decant for one to two hours and serve at 16–18°C.
Background story
Domaine des Creisses is a family property at Valros, near Pézenas, with a winemaking history extending back through the nineteenth century. Philippe Chesnelong took responsibility for the estate in 1998 and works with his cousin Louis Mitjavile on vinification and maturation.
Les Brunes is the domaine's flagship and comes from its singular volcanic parcel rather than the broader mix of soils used for Les Creisses. The 2020 has the density to develop further in bottle, yet its freshness keeps the scale controlled and makes it a serious southern French alternative to far more expensive names.
