Les Clos Perdus - Artisan wines from Lost Vineyard
The New France - "Rare and extreme wines from Southern France"
Les Clos Perdus, known as "Lost vineyard" in English, is a small winery founded by Paul Old and Hugo Stewart
in Languedoc, Southern France, with an aim to recover lost old vineyards.
The name Les Clos Perdus (Lost Vineyards) reflects the discovery of select parcels of old vines, scattered
throughout the hillsides. Many of those had been disregarded because of their isolation, low cropping
potential, and their inability to be machine worked. This is where the gems lies, where we can find ancient
and local grapes varieties in very particular soil, crafted by the dedicated team of Les Clos Perdus, to produce
a truly artisan wine!
Much of Paul and Hugo work encompass
biodynamic principles and organic
viticulture. The aim is to allow the vines
and terrior to fully express their intrinsic
nature. Any intervention is of the gentlest
form. Hence the team’s organic approach.
Much time is spent managing the growth:
taking off superfluous buds and shoots in
the spring, and later on removing lower
leaves, allowing the air to circulate
amongst the grapes, minimising the onset
of disease.
The local managed to go global! These tiny-produced artisan wines hit the international market with their
rustic freshness. They are highly rated by international critics, most notably Jancis Robinson MW, who gives
high ratings to the wines and described them as "going from strength to strength".
Join our journey to re-discover these lost ancient vineyard!
Offered by DECO wines limited, 2014-2015. T: 3460 4103 E: [email protected]
E&OE
Le Blanc… from the lost vineyard
Les Clos Perdus, Le Blanc 2011, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon
Price: $200
Background: 100% Macabeo from 60 years old vines
Tasting Note: This is Clos Perdus basic white but it is so expressive of this part of the
world - very mineral with a wonderful combination of body and acidity. Really a great
and very superior house white. 16.5, Drink 2012-2013, Jancis Robinson
Needs several hours to open, and decanting to show its best. Ripe but fresh nose. Stone
fruits, quince, some floral and nutty notes. Full and smooth in the mouth, good body.
Acids and minerals driven, long lingering finish. - DECO
Les Clos Perdus, L'Extreme 2011, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon
Price: $399
Background: Grenache Gris, with Grenache Blanc, from 100 years old vines
Production Volume: 2,000 bottles
Tasting Note: Super nervy and fine - still quite reticent. Like the holding back portions
of their Le Blanc. Really quite refined. Reminiscent of the high-altitude vineyards of the
Côte d'Or - it's all on the palate and finish for now but should evolve delightfully. 17,
Drink 2013-2017, Jancis Robinson
The top white wine of the winery. Fermented in 500 L French oak where it remains for
6 months. No Malo-lactic fermentation. Needs several hours in the decanter or opening
one night in advance! Smooth, refined, and complex. Full of flavours but no signs of
heat (only 13% alcohol). Lovely acid structure - you literaly feel the terrior of the
vineyard: The landscape is dominated by hills covered in grey and brown schist. From
the hilltops there are impressive views of the Pyrenees. Here our vines fight to survive
the gusting winds as they cling onto the steep slopes rising up to the castle of Quéribus.
- DECO
The Whites from Les Clos Perdus
The basic white Le Blance and the top
cuvee L'Extreme are both from the
vineyard in Agly Valley in Roussillon, on
grey and brown schist. Here, the vines
fight to survive the gusting winds as they
cling onto the steep slopes on the hills,
leading to the fresh acidities of the
wines.
Offered by DECO wines limited, 2014-2015. T: 3460 4103 E: [email protected]
E&OE
Le Rouge… from the lost vineyard
Les Clos Perdus, Cuvee 81 2010, AOC Corbières
Price: $200
Background: AOC Corbières. 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre. The first
wine is called Cuvee 21 in 2004, and they add 10 to the number on every subsequent
vintage.
Production Volume: 9,000 bottles
Tasting Note: Spicy nose though a little spindlier than some - high altitude? Sinewy
and fresh. Carignan influence? Lively. 16.5/20, Drink 2012-2016, Jancis Robinson
Les Clos Perdus, Prioundo 2010, AOC Corbières
Price: $250
Background: AOC Corbières. 80% Grenache, 20% Cinsault. Made from a high altitude
vineyard (shown in the photo).
Production Volume: 5,000 bottles
Tasting Note: Delightful bitter
cherry sensation. No oak in the
way of that dry, rocky terrain.
Pure, Carignan-free Corbières.
Wonder if this blend is legal? It
certainly should be. Long and
bright fruited with a kick of
acidity and medium weight. No
sign of heat. Very well done.
17/20, Drink 2012-2016,
Jancis Robinson
Les Clos Perdus, L'Extreme 2008, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon
Price: $399
Background: 75% Lladoner Pelut, 25% Syrah. The top red wine from the winery. This
is a Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes because the vineyard is in Rousillon but the Les
Clos Perdus winery is located in Languedoc. 50% aged in new French oak.
Production Volume: 2,000 bottles
Tasting Note: Mainly the rich Grenache variant that is Lladoner Pelut from near
Maury with some Syrah on schist. Almost like a Roussillon Châteauneuf, so big and
explosive with fuit on the front palate and then you taste the freshness of the schist
on the finish. A revitalising bottle but not for the faint hearted. 17/20, Drink 20122020, Jancis Robinson
Offered by DECO wines limited, 2014-2015. T: 3460 4103 E: [email protected]
E&OE