The Producer
Located in Thézan-lès-Béziers, near Béziers, Domaine de Ravanès has a history that dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. The Benin family settled there in the 1950s and, from the 1970s, Guy Benin participated in the qualitative renewal of Languedoc by introducing Bordeaux grape varieties and trellising. Today, Marc Benin, an oenologist and ampelographer, works with his sons Axel and David, continuing a family approach focused on the production of high-end wines.
The vineyard, managed organically, is located on the banks of the Orb and is based on gravelly clay-limestone soils. The estate prioritizes controlled yields and precise selection of plots and grapes, with significant emphasis placed on Bordeaux grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, alongside Mediterranean grape varieties.
The vinifications are carried out directly at the estate, with grapes harvested and sorted with care. For the great red cuvées, the grapes are partially destemmed, then fermented at controlled temperature with regular pump-overs and/or punch downs, followed by long post-fermentation macerations. The wines can then benefit from extended aging in barrels, as for The Gravières du Taurou, some vintages of which have been aged for several years before bottling.
The Wine
Slow pressing. Static settling at 6-8°C after 48 hours of must stabilization. Controlled fermentation at 15-16°C. Aging in tank of the 3 grape varieties separately.
Tasting
Pale clear color. Very fresh nose of grapefruit and mirabelle with slightly thiolic notes and a concert of white flowers (acacia, hawthorn, elderflower). The attack on the palate is lively, followed by lightness and sapidity with citrus notes that make you salivate, the finish shows a nice nervousness and a fresh finish.
Food & wine pairings: Seafood and particularly oysters, goat cheeses, and summer cuisine in general. Interesting pairings with exotic cuisine, even well-spiced.