Known for the authentic character of its Fitou wines , the Domaine Lérys vineyard offers the unique distinction of also straddling the Corbières AOP . Alban Izard, a winemaker committed to recognizing the terroir, strives to produce wines from both appellations. This approach is particularly interesting, as it allows the expression of local grape varieties to resonate with the variations of the terroir. While the Fitou wines derive their character from the mineral tension created by the schist soils, the Corbières wines capture some of the roundness imparted by the clay-limestone subsoil.
Two Corbières wines
To put it simply, Domaine Lérys produces two Corbières wines: a white and a red. This duality has the advantage of highlighting two very distinct characteristics. This is hardly surprising, as Alban Izard imbues his wines with the authentic signature of a winemaker who knows his vineyard and terroir intimately. In the Villeneuve-les-Corbières area , soils and climate influence a truly unique range of flavors. It bears the imprint of the nearby Mediterranean Sea, whose sea spray washes over the first slopes of the upper Corbières, planted primarily with very old Carignan vines.
Rogenc, a red Corbières wine
The Corbières wines from Domaine Lérys are wines that speak. They express themselves through the winemaker's voice. They sincerely reveal their true nature. Rogenc is first and foremost a fruit-forward wine, its assertive presence reinforced by the clay-limestone soils from which Carignan, Grenache Noir, and Syrah have drawn their luscious reserves. The winemaking process focuses on preserving this varietal purity through exclusive aging in tanks. Short maceration concentrates the profile on fruit and roundness, with well-balanced tannic counterpoints, hallmarks of the terroir. Aromas are concentrated on red and black fruits, among which blackcurrant, blackberry, and redcurrant stand out. A cuvée full of freshness and crispness, best served between 12° and 15°C.
Graciosa, a white Corbières wine
Alban Izard envisioned Graciosa as a Corbières white wine with a distinguished profile. The estate's very old Grenache Blanc and Gris vines, once reserved for Rivesaltes , undoubtedly lent themselves to this direction. The desired grace is achieved through the blending of Graciosa with Macabeu . Made from hand-harvested grapes, this Corbières wine first reveals its refined elegance through its bright, pale gold color. On the palate, its tempered vivacity allows the aromatic expression of white flowers and citrus to shine through. The memory of the schist soils, carried by the Grenache grapes, enriches the palate with a touch of minerality. The winemaking, focused on the delicate extraction of the fruit, completes its distinctive character with subtle toasty notes. In this land dominated by red wines, Graciosa testifies to the gastronomic potential of Domaine Lérys' white grape varieties. All that was needed 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.