Le Clos Saint Jean

A unique experience

Clos Saint Jean is a unique experience from the Jouffreau family, winemakers since 1610, whose goal is to rediscover the expression of a once-forgotten vineyard.
Loyal to their philosophy of producing authentic, age-worthy wines, the Jouffreau family chose to wait more than ten years before releasing the wines from Clos Saint Jean’s quality-rich terroir.
The Jouffreau family is not trying to duplicate the wines of their principle domaine, Clos de Gamot, but rather expose the superb characteristics of this terroir with their extensive wine-making know how.

History

The Clos Saint Jean vineyard is situated on a small mountain face near the village Sals located between Castelfranc and Labastide du Vert. Total area under vine is 25 acres.

For one portion of the vineyard, we adopted a terrace style plantation. We spaced each vine one meter apart and spaced each row one meter apart. (Much like you’d find in Banyuls) This means we end up with 10,000 vines per hectare.

The other portion of the vineyard was planted with the vines a bit closer (0.74m apart) but with more room between rows (1.68m), which allows for 8,000 vines per hectare.

Vineyard’s work

« It’s only time that does not return… »: All of the work was done by hand with pickaxes, shovels, etc. to authenticate the methods of our ancestors who worked the Clos Saint Jean vineyard before us.

Vinification

All of the wine is vinified entirely is small cement tanks to conserve the maximum amount of characteristics from this great terroir. The cuvaison lasts an average of 3 to 5 weeks according to repeated tasting by the Joufreau family.

Our methods of extraction remain traditional and respectful of each vintage’s needs. Gentle pumpovers are performed to obtain a harmonious structure.

Elevage

Aging takes place over 18-24 months in demi-muids. (This is decided upon according to each vintage’s capablities) Racking, tasting, fining and blending over this time allows the tannic structure to soften and bring out the numerous complex aromas of the Malbec.

Nature’s Vicissitudes

In this remote hillside climate, nature has complete control. The winters are harsh and the sun intense in the summer. The 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 vintages were shared with the wild boar and deer population who are apparently drawn to the precious nectar this site produces.