GRAPE VARIETAL
85% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Certified organic (Ecocert).
APPELLATION
AOC Minervois, from vineyards in the heart of the appellation between Carcassonne and Narbonne (Languedoc).
TERROIR
Quaternary terraces of angular stones and pebbles over clay—well-drained, heat-retentive soils that favor ripe, balanced fruit.
VINIFICATION
Fully destemmed; native-yeast fermentation ~15 days under temperature control, then malolactic and a light sulfite addition (2 g/hl). Aged 9 months in concrete tanks; no fining; bottle-aged 12 months before release.
TASTING NOTES
Red and black fruits (cherry, plum) with a gentle spice and dried-herb accent; medium weight, fine tannins, and a clean, fruit-led finish—concrete élevage keeps the profile clear and focused.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled lamb or sausages, roast chicken with herbs, ratatouille, mushroom pizza, or lentil-fennel stew; also friendly with hard cheeses and weeknight pasta with olives and anchovy.
Minervois is located in the western Languedoc, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, where the Mediterranean sun, the Tramontane wind, and stony terraces shape the red blends built on Grenache and Syrah. It’s a broad appellation with significant variation in terroir. From the riverbed pebbles on the plains to the limestone benches on the slopes, there’s one consistent theme: the better parcels produce fruit with vibrant energy and definition rather than just bulk and weight.
Domaine des Homs is a family operation farming organically in the heart of the appellation. The estate works a mosaic of plots on quaternary terraces littered with stones over clay and limestone. Farming is hands-on and pared back; fruit is picked on ripeness, not on a calendar, and cellar work sticks to native ferments and modest extraction.
“Clots de Pals” (local shorthand for stone-walled plots) comes off these pebble-strewn parcels: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah, fully destemmed, fermented with native yeasts under temperature control. It rests in concrete for about nine months, goes to bottle unfined, and sees a year of quiet bottle time before release. The aim is transparency—letting the stones, sun, and wind do the work.
Winemaker Jean-Marc de Crozals in the barrel room at Domaine des Homs
Photo credit: Kate Stamps and Rise over Run
Domaine des Homs Clots de Pals greets the eye with a deep ruby color, alluding to its rich concentration of fruit. After a swirl or two, you’ll enjoy inviting notes of ripe red cherry and black raspberry, subtle notes of black pepper, wild lavender, and just the right hint of earthy minerality. It’s smooth and full-bodied, offering layers of blackberry, plum, and a touch of spice on the palate, superbly balanced by ripe, well-integrated tannins and a refreshing lift that leads to a lingering finish.
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a range of hearty dishes and perfectly complements lamb chops seasoned with herbs de Provence or a juicy steak in just about any way you prepare it. We also love it with rustic stews like cassoulet or a rich ratatouille!