Domaine du Pas de l'Escalette - Le Grand Pas 2011

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau acquired this vineyard in 2002; it is laid out in terraces surrounded by dry stone walls. Perched at an altitude of 350 meters across some twenty hectares at the foot of the Larzac plateau, the vines are cultivated organically, bathed in a cool, windy microclimate and benefiting from the limestone scree terroir of the Causse and the area’s rich biodiversity. The common thread here is freshness, made possible by the vineyard’s altitude; it is found in every cuvée, without exception, making this an exceptional estate among the terraces of Larzac that strikes the perfect balance between freshness and structure. This estate is a sure bet and a must-visit; we have no regrets about the third star recently awarded and see constant improvements even in the entry-level wines.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

The Domaine du Pas de l’Escalette has 20 hectares of biodynamic vineyards, planted on terraces bordered by dry stone walls known as “clapas.” It is perched at an altitude of 350 meters in the foothills of the Larzac. Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau settled there in 2003. Drawing on the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area and using exclusively organic products, they cultivate the vineyard using methods that respect nature.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Tasted from the bottle, the 2011 Le Grand Pas is a wine that has it all! Bursting with notes of meat, vanilla, a spice rack, and sun-drenched sweet red fruits, this medium-bodied, beautifully textured wine will reveal its full richness over the next 5 to 7 years. A blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah aged for 18 months in wooden vats—not to be missed.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The 2011 Grand Pas is the most well-rounded red, both deep and rich, built on a ripe and dense structure: a wine to be cellared for two years.

About the estate:

Located in the northwest of the Terrasses du Larzac, in the beautiful region of Pégairolles de l'Escale and Lauroux, this 20-hectare estate is owned by Julien and Delphine Zernott, who have been based here since 2003. The vineyard comprises some fifty terraces on limestone scree, with a high proportion of very old vines. This terroir is in good hands with this talented and determined couple. While the whites confirm their great elegance, the entire range of reds presented this year is of the highest caliber—graceful, with exemplary management of texture and aging.