Le Clos des Fées

Le Clos des Fées – The enchantment of the Pyrenees in the heart of the Garrigues

Domain name

Le Clos des Fées

Wine region

Roussillon – Pyrénées-Orientales

Appellations and terroirs

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees, Le Clos des Fées spans the IGP Côtes Catalanes and AOP Roussillon appellations. The vines, planted on terraces punctuated by dry stone walls, rest on clay-limestone soils scattered with rounded pebbles dating back to the Pleistocene epoch. This geological mosaic imparts a beautiful minerality and a mouthwatering tension to the wines. The vineyard's primary south-facing exposure benefits from abundant sunshine, tempered by nearby Mediterranean sea breezes. The influence of the garrigue (Mediterranean scrubland) contributes a distinctive aromatic signature: garrigue, Provençal herbs, and subtle notes of thyme and rosemary. The modest altitude, between 150 and 300 meters, fosters a significant temperature range, enhancing the acidity and freshness of the grapes.

Iconic grape varieties

The dominant red grape varieties are Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Carignan, chosen for their ability to express the depth and warmth of the Roussillon region. The estate values fruity richness and intense spice notes. For the white wines, limited plantings of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne contribute roundness, aromatic finesse, and floral or fruity notes (acacia, pear, apricot). A rosé, often the result of delicate blends, reveals finesse, freshness, and elegance.

Philosophy and History

Founded in 1998 by Hervé and Claudine Bizeul, this estate embodies a dream of nature and authenticity. Originally from Brittany, they chose this unusual, almost mystical location, nestled in a scrubland wilderness, to create an atypical winemaking project. Their approach has always respected the vine, fostering a balance between innovation and tradition. The couple is passionate about the land, old vines, and complex terroirs, guided by a modern and respectful vision: low yields, preserved soils, and careful observation of biodiversity. The estate's stylistic approach aims to capture the typicity of Roussillon while offering a unique freshness, a mouthwatering Mediterranean wine that is both powerful and elegant.

Production specifics

The harvest is exclusively manual, carried out in several passes to pick only perfectly ripe grapes. Each berry is inspected, sorted, and destemmed according to the needs of each cuvée. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for long macerations—up to four weeks for some cuvées—in order to extract color, tannins, and complex aromas. Part of the aging process takes place in new oak barrels (20% to 30%) to refine the structure without overpowering the fruit. Aging on fine lees, with gentle stirring, imparts a silky texture and volume on the palate. Yields are controlled between 35 and 40 hectoliters per hectare, ensuring aromatic concentration and tension. The technical facilities—pneumatic presses, a modern winery, and a climate-controlled cellar—guarantee precise vinification that respects the qualities of the grapes.

Recognitions

From its inception, Le Clos des Fées has captivated international critics. Its scores are consistently remarkable: 92 to 95+ points from Robert Parker, a "Coup de cœur" (favorite) award in La Revue des Vins de France, a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and glowing reviews in Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Several vintages—notably 2005, 2010, 2016, and 2018—are considered benchmarks of modern Roussillon. Specialized guides (Hachette, Gault & Millau) have also recognized certain cuvées, praising their originality and their ability to embody the spirit of the South while preserving freshness and balance.

This estate is distinguished by its Mediterranean elegance, aromatic depth, and a style that is at once powerful, saline, and ethereal. It cultivates a strong identity, rooted in tradition, yet geared towards a precise and contemporary expression of the Catalan terroir. The atmosphere of the place, sometimes described as a "picture-postcard landscape," finds its way into every bottle.

Why choose a wine from Le Clos des Fées?

• An exceptional terroir — soils of rolled pebbles, dry stone walls and Mediterranean exposure — which gives salinity, minerality and authenticity.
• Respectful viticulture — manual harvesting, rigorous sorting, sustainable agriculture — promoting quality and the expression of the terroir.
• A refined wine style, combining power, aromatic complexity and tension, emblematic of modern Roussillon.
• Institutional recognition — high marks and distinctions — which guarantees the excellence of each vintage.
• A unique experience — an enchanting place, a magical storytelling around the solstice, where the garrigue and the Pyrenees meet.

Discover the selection of wines from Le Clos des Fées and let yourself be carried away by their aromatic power, their salty finesse and their mysterious spirit, worthy of a Catalan tale.