Known for the authentic character of its Fitou wines, the vineyard of Domaine Lerys offers this singularity of also overlapping theAOP Corbieres. Alban Izard, a winegrower committed to the recognition of the terroir, strives to produce wines from both appellations. The approach is full of interest, because it places the expression of local grape varieties in resonance with terroir variations. If the Fitou finds its profiles in the mineral tension generated by the shale soils, the Corbières capture some roundness induced by the clay-limestone substrates.
Two Corbières wines
To make it clear and simple, Domaine Lérys produces two Corbières wines: a white and a red. This duality has the merit of focusing attention on two very distinct characteristics. Nothing surprising in this matter, because Alban Izard infuses his wines with the authentic signature of a winemaker who knows his vineyard and its terroirs perfectly. In the sector of Villeneuve-les-Corbieres, soils and climates influence a palette that is certainly unique. It bears the imprint of a nearby Mediterranean Sea, whose spray dissolves on the first reliefs of the Hautes Corbières, populated mainly by very old Carignans.
Rogenc, a red Corbières wine
The Corbieres from Domaine Lérys, are wines that speak. They express themselves through the voice of the winegrower. They say sincerely what they are. Rogenc, it is first and foremost a fruit-driven wine, whose assertive presence is reinforced by the clay-limestone soils from which Carignan, Grenache Noir and Syrah have drawn their gourmet reserve. Winemaking strives to preserve this varietal sincerity through exclusive aging in vats. The short maceration concentrates the profile on fruit and roundness, with well-balanced tannic counterpoints, markers of the terroir's identity. The aromatic evocations focus on red and black fruits, among which blackcurrants, blackberries and redcurrants stand out. A fresh and crunchy vintage, compatible with a serving temperature of between 12° to 15°C.
Graciosa, a white Corbières wine
Alban Izard wanted to make Graciosa a white wine from Corbières with a distinguished profile. The very old white and gray Grenaches from the estate, formerly reserved for Rivesaltes, were undoubtedly pushing in that direction. The grace sought is in the alliance with the macabeu that Grociosa came to establish it. Produced from manual harvests, this Corbières wine first announces its fine elegance with its light and brilliant gold dress. On the palate, its temperate liveliness combines the aromatic expression of white flowers and citrus fruits. The memory of the schists, carried by the Grenaches, enriches the mouth with a touch of minerality. The vinification, concentrated on the fine extraction of the fruit, completes its identity signature with subtle toasted notes. In this land dominated by red wines, Graciosa testifies to the gastronomic stature of the white grape varieties of Domaine Lérys. All it took was for Anaïs and Alban Izard to push their creative mastery even further, by seizing the beautiful expressive reserve of the vineyard and the terroir.