Description
Domaine les Yeuses
Just a mile from the pretty fishing port of Mèze, at the end of beautiful drive of olive trees, the Domaine les Yeuses nestles under ancient parasol trees. The domaine dates back to the 13th century and the name Yeuses refers to the forest of evergreen oaks that used to dominate the countryside.
There are 80 hectares of vineyard, with the vines running down to the sandy beaches of the Bassin de Thau. There is an eclectic mix of varieties, planted in chalky/clay soil – Terret, Sauvignon, Muscat, Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Merlot, Cabernet, Grenache and Syrah. The close proximity to fresh sea breezes enhances the fruit and adds freshness to the wines.
A few of you may remember their wines – we first shipped them over 25 years ago. At that time the Dardé brothers shared the work, with Michel supervising winemaking and his brother, Jean-Paul, working the land.
Since then they have invested in new equipment and a smart new tasting room.
Now the next generation, Sylvain and Magali, have joined the family business and they have further improved the wines they produce.
It was this Spring that I met Jean-Paul again and it was Michel’s daughter Magali who showed us the great strides that they have made, when we discovered their wonderful invigorated range of whites and reds.
These wines are classified as vins de pays, but unimpeded by strict appellation laws, they have been able to create some truly inspired blends from their vibrant palate of noble grape varieties.
These are fresh, fruity wines with great individuality which makes them perfect for every day drinking, but with the added bonus of a degree of complexity not usually attainable at these prices.
We have chosen six delightful wines to highlight the excellent quality and fascinating styles of their new range.
A Mixed Dozen contains two bottles of each:
Domaine les Yeuses, Muscat Petits Grains 2024
IGP d’Oc
Muscat à petits grains from this region is usually used for fortified sweet wine, but this bucks the trend. It is a fermented dry to produce a deliciously grapey wine.
There is a stunning nose of rose petals and lychees. The palate is bursting with the intense flavour of muscatel grapes, a hint of orange flower and Turkish Delight with a crisp, dry, aromatic finish and a long aftertaste.
It would be perfect with Chinese or Thai food. Or just enjoy in the garden as an aperitif!
Domaine les Yeuses, Ô d’Yeuses Blanc 2024
IGP d’Oc
This is a carefully crafted blend of mainly Chardonnay with a small amount of Viognier. The Chardonnay comes from a parcel of the oldest vines. Part is fermented in stainless steel and the rest aged in 1-2 year old oak barrels for seven months. The two parts are then blended, using a touch of Viognier to add complexity.
There is an inviting nose of white flowers with a hint of oak, which leads into a rich, juicy wine with great texture, a mineral finish and good length.
Domaine les Yeuses, Délicieuse Rouge 2024
IGP d’Oc
This is a captivating blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. An inviting herbaceous nose dominated by red fruits leads into a vibrant, soft mouthful of blackberries and red currants, finishing with a hint of soft tannin.
A perfect every day drinking red!
Domaine les Yeuses, Syrah Les Épices 2023
IGP d’Oc
This beautiful Syrah is vinified in stainless steel of which 40% is aged in oak barrels before they are blended. It is deep in colour with a nose of violets and spice, reminiscent of a Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage in the northern Rhône. In the mouth it is silky, with peppery raspberry fruit and traces of vanilla, leather and coffee and great length.
A multiple award-winner over the years, it cries out for beef or a leg of lamb. This punches well above its weight. Sells elsewhere for £14.95!
Domaine les Yeuses, L’Allée d’Oliviers 2023
IGP d’Oc
This is a blend from old vines of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot – the sort of blend found in Saint Emilion. The Merlot is aged for 15 months in oak barrels, the Cabernet Franc in stainless steel. They are then blended and bottled after three months.
Deep in colour it has a gentle herbaceous nose. On the palate it is bursting with concentrated plummy fruit with hints of figs, prunes and liquorice, finishing with gentle tannins and good length. A perfect match for duck breast or a fillet steak.
Domaine les Yeuses, Ô d’Yeuses Rouge 2023
IGP d’Oc
This groundbreaking wine is made from 90% Marselan and 10% Cabernet Franc. Marselan is a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, designed to cope better with the intense heat of global warming. Half the wine is aged in cuve and half is aged in oak barrels before being blended.
Deep in colour, it has a lovely nose of violets, with hints of menthol and truffles. On the palate it is full of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit with a touch of chocolate. It’s supported by soft tannins and has great length.
