Clos Centeilles

Patricia Boyer-Domergue purchased Clos Centeilles in Siran in 1990 with a clear vision from the start: to preserve the Languedoc’s winemaking heritage. In 1995, she began reintroducing the region’s forgotten grape varieties—indigenous varieties she hoped to save from oblivion. The result of a long-term, counter-cultural effort, the 12-hectare estate now comprises 23 different grape varieties, creating the impressive diversity and originality that define this estate. Clos Centeilles is located within the designated territory of the Minervois appellation, which includes the La Livinière Cru. The region’s traditional grape varieties include Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, black and white Grenache, white Clairette, and black Carignan. But rarer and sometimes forgotten are white and gray Riveyrenc, black Riveyrenc and Verdal, white Araignan, pink Clairette, gray and black Picpoul, gray Terret, gray Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, gray Aramon, gray Carignan, black Œillade, and black Morrastel with white juice. Patricia Boyer-Domergue makes it a point of honor to showcase what she considers the region’s greatest grape variety—one she regards as the Pinot Noir of the Languedoc: Cinsault. 

The wines are defined by this uniqueness, thanks to expertly crafted blends. The vineyard is managed in harmony with nature, certified HVE (High Environmental Value), tended entirely by hand, and the winemaking process is minimally interventionist, with no barrel aging, in order to fully respect the expression of the Centeilles terroir and its old grape varieties. Discovering these 14 cuvées is like stepping into a world all its own, with a distinct signature and a palette of authentic flavors, taking you on a journey to the Languedoc of yesteryear, where the diversity of grape varieties allowed for the creation of a unique identity and a perfect balance.