La Petite Sibérie 2009, Domaine du Clos des Fées

Domaine du Clos des Fées: A Jewel of Roussillon

A Passionate Vision Turned Into Reality

Located in the rugged landscape of Roussillon, Domaine du Clos des Fées is one of the most acclaimed and sought-after wineries in Southern France. Founded in 1997 by Hervé Bizeul, a former sommelier, wine journalist, and passionate wine lover, the estate has quickly risen to international fame. With no formal winemaking background but an unyielding dedication to excellence, Bizeul transformed what was once abandoned vineyards into a thriving domaine that produces some of the finest and most expressive wines of Roussillon.

Nestled in the heart of the Agly Valley, the estate benefits from a unique terroir and a diverse array of old vines, enabling it to craft wines of remarkable depth, balance, and complexity.

A Unique Terroir in the Heart of Roussillon

Domaine du Clos des Fées is located in the Côtes du Roussillon Villages appellation, where the Mediterranean climate, high-altitude vineyards, and a mix of schist, limestone, and clay soils create the perfect environment for growing structured yet elegant wines.

The domaine spans approximately 30 hectares, with vineyards planted with a mix of old vines (some over 100 years old) and younger plantings. The altitude, ranging from 200 to 600 meters, provides cool nights that balance the warmth of the sun, preserving acidity and freshness in the grapes.

The focus is primarily on Mediterranean grape varieties, including:

• Syrah – Providing structure, dark fruit, and spice.
• Grenache Noir – Adding finesse, silkiness, and aromatic intensity.
• Carignan – Often from old vines, giving depth, power, and earthy notes.
• Mourvèdre – Contributing complexity, tannins, and longevity.
• Grenache Blanc & Roussanne – Used for the white wines, offering freshness and minerality.

The domaine’s commitment to sustainable viticulture, with hand-harvesting and minimal intervention, allows the unique characteristics of each vineyard to shine through.

A Bold Yet Precise Winemaking Approach

Hervé Bizeul is known for his meticulous attention to detail in winemaking. His philosophy is a blend of innovation and tradition, always seeking to extract the purest expression of his terroir. The grapes are sorted by hand, fermentation is done using natural yeasts, and aging is carefully managed using a mix of stainless steel, concrete tanks, and oak barrels, depending on the cuvée.

Bizeul’s belief in long aging potential is reflected in his wines, which develop extraordinary complexity and elegance over time.

The Wines of Domaine du Clos des Fées

Domaine du Clos des Fées produces a diverse range of wines, from accessible and fruit-driven cuvées to some of the most structured and age-worthy wines in Roussillon.

• Les Sorcières – A fresh and vibrant introduction to the domaine’s style, made from younger vines.
• Vieilles Vignes – A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan from old vines, offering concentration, complexity, and richness.
• Le Clos des Fées – The flagship wine, a powerhouse blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, aged in new oak, delivering incredible depth, structure, and elegance.
• La Petite Sibérie – The iconic cuvée of the estate, made from ultra-old-vine Grenache grown in a wind-swept parcel. This wine is powerful, complex, and built for long aging, ranking among the finest wines in Southern France.
• Les Sorcières Blanc & Clos des Fées Blanc – Elegant and mineral-driven white wines, showcasing the finesse of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.

A Benchmark for Roussillon Wines

Domaine du Clos des Fées has established itself as a leading force in the Roussillon wine revolution, proving that the region can produce wines that rival those from more prestigious appellations. Hervé Bizeul’s passion, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made Clos des Fées a must-have for wine collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s the approachable Les Sorcières, the profound Le Clos des Fées, or the legendary La Petite Sibérie, the domaine’s wines are a true reflection of the soul, intensity, and beauty of Roussillon.