Description

The 2022 Les Creisses is an inviting blend of Syrah (30%), Cabernet (30%), Grenache (25%), Mouvedre (5%), Carignan (5%) and Marselan (5%).  Each variety is hand-harvested and vinified seperately before blending and ageing in a mixture of concrete vats and oak barrels for 15 to 18 months. The result is a simply stunning Languedoc red that is enticing, more’ish and a joy to drink. 

The complex nose offers a wealth of dark fruits including blackcurrants, plum and blackberries alongside earthy garrigue notes overlaid with violets and fresh herbs.  The luscious, silkily textured palate is dense yet fresh, with lots of dark fruits and a touch of liquorice.  The finish is very long and well-balanced with fine grained tannins underpinned by subtle minerality and more spice/garrigue notes. 

Domaine des Creisses, located in Valros, Languedoc, is a family-owned estate established in the 19th century. For over 110 years, it has vinified wines in its Languedoc cellar. In 1998, Philippe Chesnelong took over the family vineyard with the ambition to express the best of its terroir and reveal a great Mediterranean wine. He is assisted by his cousin, Louis Mitjavile (Domaine de l’Aurage), son of the legendary winemaker François Mitjavile of Tetre Rotebeouf fame, who contributes his expertise in vinification and aging.

The estate operates under a sustainable charter, achieving High Environmental Value (HVE) certification and employing organic principles. The vineyards are managed with short pruning on old wood—gobelet for old Grenache and Royat for other vines—to optimize foliage arrangement, ensuring airy, disease-free, ripe, and flavourful fruit. Winter cover crops reduce tractor passes, favouring soil life and promoting deep rooting for consistent water uptake.