What do you get when you combine a pair of Burgundy-minded winemakers, a domaine of old vines in a lesser-known appellation of the Languedoc, and a critically acclaimed consultant from Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape? You get some of the most exciting wines ever to bear the Minervois AOC designation.

Claude and Isabel Fonquerle left the Domaine du P�re Caboche in Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape after a ten year apprenticeship to run L'Oustal Blanc ("the white guesthouse") in Minervois, in partnership with the renowned Rh�ne oenologist Philippe Cambie. Cambie collaborated with the Fonquerles from 2002 through 2007, and their work has been instrumental in bringing international acclaim to the wines of Minervois. The domaine makes six cuv�es: five different reds from old plantings of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, and one white from a blend of Grenache Gris and Macabeu.

Minervois was granted AOC status relatively recently, in 1985, and since then the quality of wine produced in the region has improved dramatically. The majority of Minervois wine is red, and is permitted to include Carignan, Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourv�dre, and Syrah grapes. AOC rules allow for no more than 40% Carignan in any Minervois blend.

Claude Fonquerle

While the Fonquerles do make a bright, spicy vin de table of 100% Carignan (be sure to check out their "K11" if you're curious!), our current Exclusive Offering is the 2008 "Giocoso", a heady, luscious wine of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Carignan-a blend more typical of the couple's tenure in the C�tes du Rh�ne, but in a version truly expressive of the unique Minervois terroir.

The 2008 vintage in Minervois was challenging, with late budding due to a cool spring, and near-drought conditions throughout much of the growing season. The Fonquerles were able to avoid many of the weather's worst effects because their vines are older, and have mature root systems capable of delivering water and nutrients even in sub-optimal conditions. 

The geology of L'Oustal Blanc is hugely diverse, and includes not only the typical sandstone and schist, but also seams of Ch�teauneuf-like galets roul�s and pockets of blue Marne clay, of Pomerol fame. The Fonquerles painstakingly select grapes from varying geological sites to give a particular character to each cuv�e. Grapes for the Giocoso cuv�e come from sites in both Minervois and the sub-appellation Minervois la Livini�re. The Grenache is vinified separately, while the Syrah and Carignan are vinified together for twelve months in both new and old oak barrels.