Le Clos du Gravillas was born from the work of a young Narbonne/US couple, Nicole and John Bojanowski, who set up among the terroirs of Saint-Jean-du-Minervois back in 1999. At a height of 270 metres on the Causse plateau, the domain benefits from the precious cool air that descends from the Montagne Noire on summer nights. Carignan is the star of the show here, but it is not the only variety to thrive in this limestone soil studded with white marine fossils. The Bojanowski's operation is organically certified: no weed killers are used, the microbial life in the soil is encouraged, and biodynamic preparations are produced to strengthen the vines' immunity. The result: rich, pure reds and floral, mineral whites.

The Grenache Blanc and Maccabeu grapes which compose this cuvée express themselves in a particularly powerful, aromatic register. It reveals nutty notes somewhat reminiscent of an oxidised wine. Inevitably, then, its dense texture and flavours call for a gastronomic pairing with dishes of equal quality, such as poultry in creamed sauce with mushrooms.