Why not starting 2024 with the Rhône Valley wines of the Domaine Brusset, from Les Travers to Montmirail?

The Domaine Brusset is a family wine estate located in the Rhône Valley and founded several generations ago. This legendary wine estate has been able to combine tradition and modernity to produce wines of recognized quality.

Since then, the passion for wine and the know-how, passed down from generation to generation, have shaped the identity of the estate. Adding to this, the unique terroir of the Rhône Valley gives the wines of the Brusset estate distinctive characteristics. The vineyards benefit from ideal exposure, diverse soils and even a Mediterranean climate, creating conditions conducive to the cultivation of noble grape varieties such as syrah, grenache and viognier.

The philosophy of the Domaine Brusset is based on respect for nature  and artisanal winemaking. Manual harvesting, control of yields and parsimonious use of inputs make it possible to preserve the authentic expression of the terroir in each bottle. The Domaine Brusset has also been able to adapt to market developments by investing in modern winemaking and aging techniques. This combination of innovation and respect for tradition has allowed the estate to remain competitive while preserving its heritage. By AP

Then, let’s talk about the Domaine André Brussset initiated in 1947. This charming diversified and fragmented domain has been already lasting for 3 generations, since its foundation by André Brusset. Followed afterwards by Daniel and his son Laurent who tried as much as possible to carry on the tradition, notably by expanding the estate which today covers 87 hectares (photo credits: Domaine Brusset). 

For your information, this Domaine André Brusset is located between the cities of Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine and Bollène, in the sunny Vaucluse department. 

In order to extract the most fruity assets of wines, its vineyards are cultivated at very low yields. The diversity of plots, reflect a certain respect for terroir and its vegetation, with the goal to obtain a complete range of high quality products. Adding to this, red wines represent 95% of the domain‘s production here but this vineyard also produces a natural sweet wine. This elixir is native from old 70-year-old vines, mainly planted on clay slopes and composed of grenache noir and even a touch of Marc de Gigondas. Indeed, the Gigondas importance holds its full importance there, since some Montmirail vineyards were the last acquisitions by the Domaine André Brusset, in 1986.

Standing at the foot of the dizzy Dentelles de Montmirail, those 19 hectares of vines are situated on an exceptional AOC covering Jurassic terraces and Triassic limestone. Without missing that around the city of Carpentras, stands the AOC Ventoux. For instance, 5 hectares of vines are planted on Les Boudalles estate. The rest of the production is cultivated within the Côtes du Rhône appellation, respecting the ancestral tradition.

For instance, the Tradition Le Grand Montmirail 2022 contains a blend of composed mainly grenache, but also syrah, mourvèdre, and cinsault. It is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with notes of cassis, blackberry, and blueberry, supported by hints of cocoa and dried herbs. 

At last, don’t also miss their wines from the Cairanne appellation, mostly embodied by “Les Coteaux des Travers” territory. Composed of 40 hectares of vines planted on slopes full of clay-limestone soils, surrounded by large pebbles. The average 30 year old vines remain manually harvested, along a traditional vinification and destemming without any yeast addition, plus aging for 6 months in vats… This ensemble gives birth to fabulous wines, we can mention here Les Travers 2020, which is a really impressive Cairanne labeled Côtes-du-Rhône Villages item. Thus, this supple and velvety red wine offers gourmet sensations of ripe fruit, spices and liquorice aromas, whose supple tannins predispose to a lingering finish and adaptable to any culinary occasion!

Without forgetting the option of their Cairanne white wine version, known under L’Esprit de Papet 2022. A particularly fruity and ripe vintage, starring a specific vinification using direct pneumatic pressing and cold settling. Indeed, this includes an alcoholic fermentation in barrels with stirring but without any yeast.

From its golden robe, displaying silver reflects, you would surely appreciate its floral and spicy fragrance, where white flowers, pear, peach, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg notes get together. The palate of this wine would also bewitch you with its mineral and fresh lemony length, preceding a final toasted and saline touch. Ideal to accompany your finest diners, from appetizers to cheeses, such as asparagus, grilled prawns, without missing  sweet spices.

Otherwise, if you are allergic to sulfites. You have the choice to opt for a round and powerful wine, still based on a blend of grenache and syrah grape varieties. But this time, this sulfite-free edition of Cairanne 2020 tends to express the most on very ripe fruity notes and spices. Its fragrance reveals a floral hint of peony and black berries flavors, completed by strawberries and even some liquorice spices. After this statement, you could appreciate its silky and fruity tannins before a fresh and peppery finish.

More information on the official website.