DOMAINE SAINTE LUCHAIRE

Domaine Sainte Luchaïre: A Winemaking Heritage Over 130 Years Old

Located in the heart of Minervois, in Aigne, Domaine Sainte Luchaïre boasts over 130 years of history. It shares close ties with the ancient village of Aigne, famed for its Circulade, a unique circular formation of buildings encircling the Saint-Martin parish church at the village center. This medieval circular layout, symbolizing unity, has become the emblem of Domaine Sainte Luchaïre, deeply rooted in its identity.

Continuing a tradition of artisan winemaking over a century old, the new team is dedicated to sustainable practices that honor both the land and those who work it, using a reasoned approach that preserves the soil and its rich subterranean life. The estate spans 18 hectares on south-facing hillsides, nestled in the terroir of Les Mourels. This terrain features marl, a sedimentary rock composed of clay and limestone. The main grape varieties grown here include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Chardonnay. Each plot is carefully analyzed to adapt cultivation techniques and unlock the full potential of the vines.

Les Mourels Terroir: Nature’s Signature

The Les Mourels terroir stretches from Azillanet to Agel, passing through Beaufort, Oupia, and Aigne. Characterized by rocky ridges formed from elevated geological layers topped with sandstone, Les Mourels alternates between natural vegetation and vineyards, creating vibrant seasonal contrasts. The sandstone, unlike limestone, is challenging for vine roots to penetrate, which is why vineyards are absent at the peaks of the Mourels.

These soils, composed of Bartonian limestone, sandstone, and marl, are ideal for viticulture. Known as one of the earliest-ripening and warmest regions in Minervois, Les Mourels, nestled between the Causses and the Serre d'Oupia at nearly 300 meters, supports grape varieties that thrive in dry conditions, with low annual rainfall (450 mm) and high summer temperatures.

Wines from this terroir are rich, warm, and complex. Through meticulous, traditional winemaking, these wines exhibit fruity freshness and intense aromatic notes. The red wines, carrying a legacy dating back to the Cathars and further refined by monks, reveal aromas of blackcurrant, violet, cinnamon, and vanilla, developing hints of leather and candied fruit as they age.