Clos du Temple combines its exceptional terroir with an epic history of cultivating its soil. This started between the the 1st and 2nd century of our era, when the vineyards of Cabrières came into being with the presence of the Romans. It was the time of the pax romana, a heyday for viticulture in the Languedoc. Viticulture flourished for centuries around the Château de Cabrières, the remains of which still dominate the Clos. In 1224, the Château donated the lands of the present Clos to the Order of the Knights Templar, who named the vineyard Le Temple.
Character & Nature
The terroir of Clos du Temple derives its uniqueness from its geological formation. It was formed 250 million years ago by the forces of the earth and was created during the Hercynian advance, which gave rise to the Massif Central and the Montagne Noire. The contact between two geological origins, slate and limestone, and the hilly relief is the cause of a complex network of groundwater circuits that favours an exceptional natural water supply for the vineyards and the emergence of a spring with extremely pure water. Its altitude of 240 metres combined with its south/south-west exposure contribute to the production of a perfectly balanced wine with a great aromatic freshness. The 8 hectares of the Clos du Temple vineyard are composed of 7 small plots clinging to the flank of the hill, naturally closed off by the relief and vegetation. The very old grape varieties Cinsault, Grenache noir and Syrah are the main grape varieties of the Cabrières appellation. They are ideally adapted to the shaley, filtering and well-exposed soils of Clos du Temple. Viognier gives this cuvée its originality and a pleasant aromatic complexity, and Mourvèdre adds the finishing touch that refines the wine.
Gèrard Bertrand, winemaker and creator of today’s temple architecture, says of the place and the wine: “Clos du Temple is universal and celebrates life, rites and traditions. As a link between the earthly and heavenly dimensions, it determines the rhythm of the seasons and the work of the people. The temple is also the representation of man in his Trinity. This symbolism obliges us to perform at our best and to awaken the senses! Let us celebrate life!”
Editor’s tip: With 17 estates scattered in one of the most remarkable natural settings in the south of France, Gérard Bertrand is the ambassador of the great wines of Occitania throughout the world.
