A wine of character, shaped by volcanic soils and an unexpected grape
Some wines carry a name that says more than it seems. “Les Brunes” 2023 from Domaine Les Creisses is one of them — a cuvée whose identity is deeply tied to its land, its colour, and its intensity. It is a wine that stands apart within the Languedoc, both for its style and for the choices behind it.
At The French Paradox, this is exactly the kind of bottle that captures attention: powerful, distinctive, yet guided by precision.
Domaine Les Creisses – a modern reference in the Languedoc
Located near Valros in the south of France, Domaine Les Creisses has become one of the most respected estates in the region. The property, with roots going back to the 19th century, was taken over by Philippe Chesnelong in 1998, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on quality and identity.
Alongside him, his cousin Louis Mitjavile brings his expertise in vinification and ageing, contributing to a style that combines southern generosity with a more structured, almost Bordeaux-like precision.
The estate works with a careful, sustainable approach in the vineyard, allowing each parcel to express itself as clearly as possible.
Pays de l’Hérault – freedom beyond appellations
“Les Brunes” is labelled Pays de l’Hérault, an indication that offers greater freedom than traditional appellations.
In the Languedoc, this flexibility allows winemakers to step outside strict rules and experiment with grape varieties and styles that might not be permitted elsewhere. It is precisely this freedom that makes wines like “Les Brunes” possible.
Rather than following a predefined model, the wine is built around the terroir and the vision of the winemaker — something that is increasingly defining the modern identity of the region.
“Les Brunes” – a name rooted in the soil
The name “Les Brunes” refers directly to the vineyard itself: brown, volcanic soils that give the wine both its character and its depth. These basalt-rich lands, rare in the region, bring concentration and a particular kind of intensity to the grapes grown there.
It is a terroir that naturally produces wines with structure and power, but also with a certain tension that keeps them balanced.
Cabernet Sauvignon in the South
One of the most striking aspects of “Les Brunes” is the central role played by Cabernet Sauvignon — a grape more commonly associated with Bordeaux than with the Languedoc.
Here, it becomes the backbone of the wine, often representing the majority of the blend, supported by Syrah and sometimes Mourvèdre.
This choice gives the wine a distinctive profile. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, depth, and a firm tannic frame, while the southern varieties add warmth, spice, and generosity.
The result is a wine that feels both familiar and unexpected — combining the power of the Languedoc with a more classical backbone.
The 2023 vintage – power and precision
In the glass, “Les Brunes” 2023 reveals a dense and expressive profile. Dark fruit dominates — blackcurrant, blackberry — layered with notes of spice, cocoa, and subtle oak from its ageing in barrel.
The palate is full and structured, with rich tannins and a sense of depth that suggests strong ageing potential. Yet despite this intensity, the wine remains balanced, carried by a freshness that prevents it from becoming heavy.
It is a wine that can already be appreciated today, especially with food, but one that will continue to evolve over time.
A different vision of the Languedoc
What makes “Les Brunes” so compelling is precisely this balance between identity and originality. It is unmistakably a wine of the Languedoc — generous, sun-filled, expressive — yet it is also shaped by choices that set it apart.
The use of Cabernet Sauvignon, the volcanic soils, and the freedom of the Pays de l’Hérault all come together to create something unique: a wine that does not follow expectations, but defines its own path.
A wine with presence
“Les Brunes” 2023 is not a discreet wine. It is made to be noticed, to accompany rich dishes, and to evolve slowly in the glass.
But beyond its power, it offers something more interesting — a glimpse into what the Languedoc can become when tradition and freedom meet.
It is, in many ways, a modern classic of the region: bold, precise, and unmistakably individual.
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