Domaine des Creisses

Domaine des Creisses: The Rising Star of Languedoc

Located in the heart of Languedoc, the Domaine des Creisses embodies a family wine-making tradition rich in history and terroir. Since 1904, this 13-hectare property has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines, marked by soil diversity and the commitment of several generations. Taken over in 1990 by Philippe Chesnelong, a former lawyer and family descendant, the estate today stands as one of the viticultural jewels of southern France, particularly thanks to its two emblematic cuvées: Les Creisses and Les Brunes.

History and Heritage of Domaine des Creisses

A Centenary Family Tradition

Domaine des Creisses came into being in 1904, a time when the wine-growing lands of this Languedoc region were still unknown for their potential. It was under the impetus of the Chesnelong family that the estate grew, flourishing over the decades while respecting a heritage of quality and wine-making know-how.

In 1990, Philippe Chesnelong, grandson of the founders, took over the reins of the family estate. With a modern vision and deep respect for the terroir, he gradually transformed Domaine des Creisses into an emblematic vineyard of the region. His approach revolves around the preservation of natural heritage, innovation in winemaking methods, and a focus on the excellence of the wines produced.

The Unique Terroir of Domaine des Creisses

Geology at the Heart of Originality

The terroir of Domaine des Creisses boasts exceptional geological richness. Its soils consist of white and red quartz pebbles, schist fragments, outcropping limestone, and basalt rocks. This diversity brings great complexity to the wines, both in terms of structure and aromatic finesse.

The very name of the estate, "Creisses," refers to the rocks that make up its soils. Indeed, this term, used in the past, symbolizes the mineral richness of the terroir, which deeply influences the character of the wines produced here.

An Ideal Mediterranean Climate

Located in Languedoc, Domaine des Creisses benefits from an ideal Mediterranean climate for vine cultivation. Hot summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall create a perfect environment for the flourishing of traditional grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvèdre.

The Wines of Domaine des Creisses

Les Creisses: The Signature Cuvée

Les Creisses is the estate's signature cuvée, an elegant, powerful, and vibrant wine. Produced from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine wonderfully expresses the potential of the estate's unique terroir.

Les Creisses is characterized by great freshness, controlled power, and fruity aromas with spicy and floral notes. It seduces with its liveliness on the palate, fine structure, and perfect balance, all while offering a beautiful length.

Les Brunes: The Grand Cuvée

The Les Brunes cuvée is the grand wine of Domaine des Creisses. The name refers to the brown gravel that composes the soil of the parcel from which the Mourvèdre (about 20% of the blend) comes. Les Brunes is a wine of great complexity, often considered one of the best wines of Languedoc, even one of the best Vin de Pays wines in the world.

This cuvée, with an impressive aromatic depth, combines power and finesse. Its aging in oak barrels contributes to its woody character, while the Mourvèdre brings notes of dark fruits, leather, and tobacco. Les Brunes naturally finds its place on the best tables, thanks to its exceptional structure and its evolution in the bottle, allowing it to gain complexity over time.

The Philosophy of Domaine des Creisses

Domaine des Creisses stands out with a simple yet essential philosophy: "A Great Wine is not necessarily an expensive wine." This approach perfectly sums up the spirit of the estate. Philippe Chesnelong and his team strive to produce accessible wines while maintaining an exceptional level of quality.

This commitment is reflected in every stage of production, from the vineyard to the cellar. Environmentally friendly viticultural practices, yield limitation, and careful winemaking ensure authentic, expressive, and unique wines.

The Winemaking Process at Domaine des Creisses

Manual Harvesting

At Domaine des Creisses, harvesting is done by hand to select only the best grapes. This traditional method preserves the integrity of the clusters and guarantees the optimal quality of the produced wine.

Fermentation and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted and destemmed before fermentation. Maceration lasts between 15 and 25 days, depending on the characteristics of each vintage, to extract maximum aromas and tannins. Aging is done in French oak barrels for Les Brunes, allowing the wine to gain structure and complexity.

Bottling

Each cuvée from Domaine des Creisses is bottled at the estate after meticulous aging. The quality of bottling is essential to guarantee the longevity and positive evolution of the wines.

Food and Wine Pairings

Les Creisses

With its freshness and liveliness, Les Creisses pairs perfectly with dishes such as:

• Roasted rack of lamb,
• Grilled beef,
• Aged cheeses (like Saint-Nectaire or Comté).

Les Brunes

More complex and powerful, Les Brunes is ideal for richer and more elaborate dishes:

• Game in sauce (such as venison or wild boar),
• Grilled rib-eye steak,
• Strong cheeses (like Roquefort or aged Parmesan).

Recognition and Distinctions

Over the years, Domaine des Creisses has attracted the attention of critics and wine lovers worldwide. Its cuvées, notably Les Brunes, regularly rank among the best in Languedoc wine classifications and beyond. These distinctions testify to the estate's constant commitment to quality and excellence.

How to Visit Domaine des Creisses?

Located in the heart of the Languedoc wine region, Domaine des Creisses welcomes visitors for tours and tastings by appointment. These moments allow you to discover the vineyard, learn more about the production process, and, of course, taste the estate's flagship cuvées.

FAQ

What grape varieties are used at Domaine des Creisses? Domaine des Creisses mainly uses grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon for the Les Creisses cuvée, and Mourvèdre for the Les Brunes cuvée.

When is the best time to visit Domaine des Creisses? The best time to visit the estate is during the harvest season, at the end of summer or early autumn, to experience the excitement of the harvest.

What are the recommended food pairings for the Les Brunes cuvée? Les Brunes pairs ideally with rich dishes like game, red meats, or aged cheeses.

What is unique about Domaine des Creisses' terroir? The estate's terroir is unique due to its varied composition of quartz pebbles, schist, limestone, and basalt rocks, offering great complexity to the wines.

What distinguishes the Les Creisses cuvée? Les Creisses is an elegant and powerful wine with beautiful freshness and remarkable liveliness, ideal for accompanying grilled meats or saucy dishes.

Conclusion

The Domaine des Creisses is an essential reference in Languedoc, thanks to its exceptional terroir and remarkable cuvées. Its wines, whether the Les Creisses cuvée or the prestigious Les Brunes, perfectly reflect the Chesnelong family's commitment to quality and respect for tradition. Whether you're an amateur or a connoisseur, a visit to Domaine des Creisses is a must to discover wines of rare finesse and great aromatic richness.