# Le Clotagnas La Peyne (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Le Clotagnas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cinsault
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, rose, violet, fennel

## About this wine

Domaine Le Clotagnas is an artisanal estate in the Hérault region of Languedoc, founded by vigneron Cédric Benoit following a mid-career transition at age 40. Situated on elevated slopes around the village of Vailhan at altitudes between 250 and 460 meters, the estate benefits from dramatic diurnal temperature swings that cool the vines at night. The cuvée La Peyne is crafted to highlight the fresher, mineral-driven side of Languedoc terroir, offering a pure expression of high-elevation growing conditions.

## Interesting facts

- 2024 marks the debut maiden vintage produced by founder Cédric Benoit.
- Total production across the entire estate for 2024 was capped at around 4,000 bottles.
- Vineyards reach up to 460 meters elevation, among the coolest high-altitude terroirs in the Hérault.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity and soft, integrated tannins of this light-to-medium-bodied red make it remarkably versatile. It cuts cleanly through the fat of charcuterie and roasted poultry while harmonizing with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Serving it slightly chilled preserves its refreshing profile alongside soft regional goat cheeses.

## Wine making process

Farmed sustainably across small parcels totaling 3.5 hectares, the grapes are harvested manually to ensure cluster integrity. For the inaugural 2024 vintage, vinification took place in collaboration with neighbouring Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles. The grapes undergo traditional gentle extraction and are fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks for approximately six months to retain primary fruit character without any oak influence.