La Terrasse d'Elise - Pradelou 2023
La Terrasse d'Elise is one of the most unique estates in Languedoc, led by Xavier Braujou, a winemaker based in Hérault and recognized for his wines of great finesse. Between Aniane and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the estate produces cuvées often labeled as IGP Pays d'Hérault, with a demanding approach to grape variety, terroir, and aging. Xavier Braujou has established himself with precise, understated wines where freshness and elegance prevail over power. Pradelou 2023 fits this philosophy as a red Cinsault cuvée, more immediate and tender than some of the estate's aging references. Conceived as the little sister of Pradel, it reveals a more youthful, crunchy, and spontaneous expression of this southern grape variety. However, the wine retains the signature of La Terrasse d'Elise, with a pursuit of purity, texture, and drinkability. Pradelou 2023 thus presents itself as a Languedoc red of pleasure, precise, lively, and deeply attached to its origin.
The Pradelou 2023 cuvée is made from 100% Cinsault, a grape variety that Xavier Braujou masters with great sensitivity. The young vines are planted on rolled pebbles and limestone scree, two components that contribute both to the ripeness of the fruit and the freshness of the palate. The Cinsault here produces a wine that is supple, with a light color, bright red fruit, and very fine tannins. Aging for about 12 months in old barrels refines the texture without imparting dominant wood notes. The 2023 vintage highlights a gourmand, lively, and slightly tangy profile, perfectly suited for tasting in the first few years. Pradelou does not seek concentration but balance between fruit, finesse, and energy. This cuvée shows that a young Cinsault, worked with precision, can produce a wine that is both easy to access and very true in its expression.
On tasting, La Terrasse d'Elise Pradelou 2023 shows a clear ruby robe, bright and luminous. The nose may evoke raspberry, fresh cherry, strawberry, redcurrant, wildflowers, aromatic herbs, and a subtle touch of garrigue. On the palate, the wine is supple, juicy, and very digestible, with a fluid body and delicate tannins. The natural freshness of Cinsault brings liveliness, while the slightly tangy finish enhances the drinkability sensation. The whole remains precise, crunchy, and gourmand, in a style that invites conviviality. This red will ideally accompany roasted poultry, a charcuterie board, grilled chicken, Mediterranean vegetables, veal chop, artisanal pizza, or generous bistro cuisine. It can be served slightly chilled, around 14 to 15 °C, to preserve its aromatic brightness.
Grape variety: 100% Cinsault
