Clos Constantin - Arjiès 2024
Clos Constantin is one of the most exciting estates in the Terrasses du Larzac, located in Argelliers, in a preserved environment of scrubland, oaks, and vines. Led by Pierre Halley and Samuel Durand, the estate has established itself through a fresh, precise, and very elegant interpretation of the great terroirs of northern Montpellier. Situated on a ridge, in one of the coolest areas of Hérault, Clos Constantin benefits from a natural balance between Mediterranean ripeness and climatic tension. The estate's wines stand out for their fruit purity, fine texture, and ability to avoid any heaviness. Arjiès 2024 represents one of the estate's most ambitious cuvées, made from the oldest vines of the estate. Its name, which means Argelliers in Occitan, pays tribute to the village and this very particular stony terroir. It is a deep, elegant, and already highly sought-after Terrasses du Larzac that expresses all the uniqueness of Clos Constantin.
The Arjiès 2024 cuvée is based on a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault, complementary Mediterranean grape varieties that find here a particularly refined expression. Syrah brings depth, notes of violet, black pepper, and black fruits, while Grenache provides fleshiness, roundness, and a sunnier dimension. Cinsault lightens the blend, enhances aromatic finesse, and brings a more airy sensation on the palate. The grapes come from the oldest vines of the estate, rooted in a highly stony soil that promotes concentration while maintaining beautiful tension. The 12-month aging in large oak casks and demi-muids supports the structure without imposing dominant oak flavors. An additional 6 months in concrete tanks refines the balance, integrates the matter, and preserves the freshness of the fruit. The 2024 vintage gives Arjiès a chiseled, vertical, and very expressive profile, with controlled power and true purity of tannins.
In the glass, Clos Constantin Arjiès 2024 reveals a deep, dark, and shiny robe, announcing a wine of beautiful intensity. The nose gradually opens on blackberry, black cherry, violet, red fruit marmalade, black pepper, and garrigue. With aeration, a subtle smoky touch and notes of black olive may add complexity. The palate is powerful but very vertical, supported by fine tannins, pure matter, and remarkable freshness for a southern wine. The balance between fruit, spices, minerality, and elegance gives a cuvée that is both Mediterranean and very precise. Arjiès 2024 will perfectly accompany a rack of lamb, a rib steak, a tagine with mild spices, roast pigeon, a Languedoc-style stew, or a matured cheese. Serve around 16 to 17°C, after good aeration, or keep for a few years to allow the wine to gain complexity.
Grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault
