Located north of Montpellier at the crossroads of several Languedoc appellations, Domaine Saint Clément is distinguished by an atypical grape variety which is well valued by wines that take care of varietal expressions.
Around Lez
East of Saint-Clément-de-Rivière , along the Montferrier road which extends Montpellier 's northern axis , flows the Lez River peacefully. The river rises here, in a wine-growing enclave nestled between the southwest and southeast branches of the Pic Saint Loup AOP . The Saint Clément vineyard covers 30 hectares, which could be classified as either Grés de Montpellier or Languedoc AOP. However, Calista and Henri Bernabé , who manage the estate, have made a completely different choice. They have freed themselves from the strict appellation system to produce wines that reflect their own style and are true to the spirit of the place. Family management grants them the complete autonomy they need to create a distinctive wine production for this unique estate.
At the source of the name
To grasp the spirit of Domaine Saint Clément, one must understand its historical context and the symbols that stem from it. The first image that strikes the viewer is the fresco of the large blue ram that adorns the winery's wide gate. In the cellar, its image reappears on the wine labels, superimposed on a marine anchor. For Saint Clément is first and foremost the name of a spring discovered nearby by a ram, a fortuitous find that supplied the aqueduct carrying water to Montpellier. As for the marine anchor, Henri Bernabé will undoubtedly reveal its hagiographic origin: a martyr of the 1st century , Saint Clement was thrown into the sea, his neck weighed down by this fatal rigging.
Atypical grape varieties
With the symbols established, it's clear that Domaine Saint Clément is a place with a strong personality. This begins with the choice of grape varieties, a subject on which Henri Bernabé is a true connoisseur. A terroir explorer and grape variety expert in a previous life, he and his wife, Calista , chose to plant a diverse range of grapes on these Languedoc soils , a departure from local classics. On this highly calcareous terroir, which foreshadows the wines' mineral elegance, the reds and rosés feature Nielluccio, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Touriga Nacional, while the whites utilize Marsanne, Chardonnay, Rolle, and Savagnin. Furthermore, the proximity of the Lez River brings them great freshness, even at the risk of frost in winter. The emphasis on cover cropping encourages vigorous vine growth, while a plot of aromatic herbs planted in 2022 further enriches the biodiversity. The vineyard is called upon to interact with the aromatic complexes of thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, and Boufarik roses.
Each wine an expression
Domaine Saint Clément boasts a historic wine cellar that was once home to significant wine production. Equipped with stainless steel tanks and a dedicated barrel-aging area, this nearly 1200 m² cellar , with its thick walls, offers excellent thermal inertia. The winemaking and aging infrastructure is designed to accommodate the estate's unique grape varieties with creative freedom. The adjoining tasting room, transformed into an art gallery, confirms through its ambiance that wine is both creation and expression here. The first step in the tasting experience can be found in the Bélier Bleu or Petit Soir ranges , each comprising a red, a rosé, and a white wine. These wines offer an introduction to the varietal profiles of the grapes favored by the estate. Beyond these initial stages, density and complexity will develop around a few flagship wines. Élixir Rouge , a rare blend of Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot, develops its character over 12 months of barrel aging. The signature of barrel aging also contributes to the definition of Élixir Blanc , a pure Chardonnay. As for the flagship wine of Domaine Saint Clément , it is called LXR Quintessence ; it is produced only in exceptional vintages, when Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot reach their peak of ripeness, further enhanced after vinification by 24 months of barrel aging.