In 1995, Jean-Baptiste and Charlotte Senat returned to the land of their families, the commune of Trausse in Minervois. At the time, Jean-Baptiste was a student in Paris and was not happy with his life. After meeting various natural winemakers and having read works by Jules Chauvet, he realized the style of wines he wanted to make and where he wanted to make them.

1996 was the first vintage of the Domaine. Jean-Baptiste restructured the cellar and converted to Ecocert farming. He is very active in the vineyards and cellar, taking a hands-on approach. Charlotte manages the administration and commercial parts of the winery, bringing everything together.

The vineyards possess two very distinct terroirs: clay over limestone and lentilles silencieuses de garrigue. The plots are located on the hills of the Montagne Noire, separated by about a dozen kilometers in different communes. Charlotte and Jean-Baptiste believe that the climate is more impactful than even the ground and soil.

Jean-Baptise has become a pioneer of natural winemaking in Minervois. After decades of winemaking, his style has matured – using only native grape varieties (Grenache at the front and center), organic farming, no fining or filtration, and no sulphur. In turn, this produces wines that are each unique but share a universal quality – drinkability.

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape: Grenache, Syrah
Vineyard Size: 15 hectares
Soil: clay, limestone
Average Age of Vines: 25 years
Farming: organic, biodynamic
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: whole cluster, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts
Aging: 7 months in stainless steel
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none

- Zev Rovine Selections