Jean-Baptiste Sénat Estate – The Soul of Minervois in a Bottle

An Inspired Return to Roots

In 1995, Jean-Baptiste Sénat and his wife Charlotte left Parisian life to take over the family estate in Trausse-Minervois, on his ancestral lands. Without prior viticultural training, they embarked passionately on the winemaking journey, driven by the desire to produce authentic wines reflecting the richness of their terroir. From their first vintage in 1996, their commitment and vision have been evident in sincere and expressive wines.

An Exceptional Terroir in the Heart of Minervois

The estate spans 15 hectares across several Minervois communes, including Trausse and La Livinière. The vines, aged between 30 and over 100 years, thrive on clay-limestone soils and terraces of rolled pebbles, benefiting from a dry, sunny Mediterranean climate. This diversity allows traditional grape varieties such as grenache, carignan, cinsault, syrah, and mourvèdre to fully express themselves, imparting remarkable complexity and depth to the wines.

Organic and Respectful Viticulture

From the outset, Jean-Baptiste and Charlotte chose organic farming, certified by Ecocert. Soil work is conducted without herbicides or chemical fertilizers, promoting biodiversity and vine health. Harvesting is manual, with rigorous grape selection, ensuring optimal quality. This respectful approach to nature is reflected in vibrant and authentic wines.

Natural Vinifications for Expressive Wines

In the cellar, fermentations occur with indigenous yeasts, without added oenological inputs. Macerations are gentle, and aging is tailored to each cuvée, primarily in concrete tanks or old barrels, preserving the purity of the fruit and the terroir's identity. This minimal intervention philosophy results in fresh, digestible wines deeply rooted in their origin.

Emblematic Cuvées of Minervois

Among the estate's flagship wines, "La Nine" is a blend of grenache, carignan, and syrah, offering aromas of red fruits, spices, and delightful freshness. "Le Bois des Merveilles," from old carignan and grenache vines, captivates with its depth and complexity. "Arbalète et Coquelicots," dominated by cinsault, is a gourmand and fruity wine, perfect for convivial moments. Each cuvée reflects the passion and expertise of the winemakers, establishing Jean-Baptiste Sénat Estate as a key reference in Minervois.