Domaine de la Terrasse d’Elise has established itself as one of the finest references of Languedoc and the single-varietal wines produced from Cinsault, Carignan or Syrah display incredible finesse. An absolute must.

La Terrasse d’Elise, a Languedoc delight

La Terrasse d’Elise has been on the iDealwine radar for some years now. We’ve always enjoyed the wines from this producer and we’re proud to see them gaining the recognition they justly deserve.

The 20-hectare vineyard is located between Aniane and Saint-Jean-de-Fos. Xavier Braujou, the owner, started with just a few hundred square metres in 1998 when he took over the family estate. In his first year, he left the cooperative and produced just five barrels of the cuvée Elise. At the time, Xavier was a woodcutter, a job that he continued until 2008. He gradually expanded the estate until he arrived at the 20 hectares that he cultivates today with the help of his son and daughter. Everything centres around the vine which he cultivates according to organic and biodynamic principles (without certification). Yields are very low at 20 hl/ha and the soils are tilled. Most of his production are single-varietal wines, a characteristic of this estate that possibly stems from Xavier’s training in Alsace. Interestingly, Cinsault is his favourite variety and is used to make the cuvées Le Pradel and Les Hauts de Carol’s. Xavier is giving prestige back to Cinsault and Carignan, often viewed as nothing more than blending varieties. He doesn’t adhere to the AOC system for he believes that it contributes to standardising wine.

Little intervention in the winery

In the chai, Xavier prefers a ‘hands-off’ approach and, to maintain balance, there is no punching down or racking. The maturation period is long (12 to 24 months) with no new oak in sight. All of the wines are matured in barrels apart from XB and Siclène, which are aged in tanks.

We don’t know all his secrets however, but the end result is always a wine of incredible finesse marked by its great purity of fruit, freshness, elegance and balance. The wines from this estate are unique and illicit strong emotions from those who taste them. As one member of the iDealwine team sais, “Xavier Brajou secretly admits to loving Rayas and you really do sense something of Emmanuel Reynaud in his wines. For me, these are the finest wines from this region”.

The wines from Domaine de la Terrasse d’Elise currently on sale:

White wine

Siclene:

A fresh, creamy and flavourful white wine from two plots covered in rolled pebbles. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish.

K’Yenne:

A wine first released in 2016, it is produced in small quantities. A fresh and floral wine that reflects its limestone soil.

Red wine

L’Enclos:

L’Enclos is made from 100% Mourvèdre and is remarkably fruity and spiced. The wine has a velvety and silky texture and it’s depth and finesse are perfectly balanced.

Les Hauts de Carol’s:

Les Hauts de Carol’s comes from old Cinsault vines and is one of the estate’s standout wines. It works very well with white and red meat. Exceptional.

Elise:

It has aromas of cooked red fruit, spices, chocolate and a magnificent texture. It displays remarkable length and finesse.

XB:

The most accessible wine made by the estate, it’s perfect for sharing with friends. An iDealwine favourite.

Le Pradel:

A wine like no other: a well made Cinsault that is fruit forward, and lightly spiced with superb structure. Delicate, silky and aerial, it goes beautifully with red meat and duck.

Pigeonnier: A 100% Carignan that shows off the grape variety and the terroir it comes from.

Le Pradelou: A 100% Cinsault from young vines.