Domaine de Montcalmes - Terrasses du Larzac 2023
Domaine de Montcalmès is one of the major references of the Terrasses du Larzac and among the most respected wines of contemporary Languedoc. Located about thirty kilometers northwest of Montpellier, it extends over the communes of Puéchabon, Aniane, Saint-Jean-de-Fos, and Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian. The modern history of the estate begins in 1998, when Frédéric Pourtalié and his father Jean-Marie decided to leave the cooperative cellar to vinify their own production. Since then, Montcalmès has established itself with a style of great finesse, far from the overly powerful or over-extracted southern reds. The terroirs blend lacustrine limestones, rolled pebbles, and fresh influences from the Larzac, giving the wines depth, tension, and balance. This Terrasses du Larzac 2023 embodies all the nobility of the estate, with an expression that is both Mediterranean, refined, and perfectly controlled. It is a must-have cuvée for lovers of great reds from Languedoc, capable of competing with the finest signatures of the South.
The Terrasses du Larzac 2023 cuvée is based on a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, and 20% Grenache. Syrah, planted with Grenache on the north-facing limestone plateaus, brings aromatic depth, black fruits, violet, pepper, and a beautiful structure. Mourvèdre, grown on the rolled pebbles of the Aniane area, reinforces the wine's firmness, density, and Mediterranean dimension. Grenache completes the blend with its flesh, fruit brightness, and ability to round the palate without weighing down the balance. The grape varieties are vinified separately to respect their own identity before the final blend. The long 24-month barrel aging accompanies the material with precision, without imposing excessive oakiness. The 2023 vintage offers a generous but very well-framed expression, with the elegant texture signature of Montcalmès.
In the glass, Domaine de Montcalmès Terrasses du Larzac 2023 reveals a deep, dark, and shiny robe, announcing a wine of beautiful concentration. The nose opens on blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum, with nuances of violet, licorice, pepper, garrigue, and graphite. The palate is ample, silky, and structured, supported by fine tannins and freshness that lengthens the whole. The wine possesses the depth of great Mediterranean reds but retains remarkable elegance, almost airy in touch. The finish is long, spicy, slightly smoky, and mineral, with an impression of perfectly controlled power. This 2023 can be enjoyed after good aeration but will gain complexity after several years in the cellar. It will ideally accompany a rack of lamb, a rib steak, spiced duck, Provençal stew, lamb tagine, or an aged cheese.
Grape varieties: 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache
