Constant-Dequesnoy had its beginnings over 100 years ago. Founded by the Benoit family, the original estate was divided between the parishes of Villedieu and Vinsorbes. In 2003, the family decided to keep the vineyards close to his home and sold the vineyards in Vinsorbes.
Gérard Constant has been passionate about wine for over 20 years, decided to persue his dream and found his ideal with the purchase of Domaine Les Aussellons in Vinsorbes, considered by the Wine Advoste as one of the 3 most high potential properties in Vinsorbes.
The vineyard is between 250 and 420 meters above sea level with a gradient of 1.5. More than ¾ of the vineyard is terraced with a southeast exposure. The soil consists of two very different soil types that compliment each other: limestone-pebble stone with red marl from the late Miocene, and peyrosol coming from the old alluvial terraces. The soil is therefore stony and very calcareous with a ph-level of 8,2.
The grape varieties are exclusively red, 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Syrah is conducted up to 2 meters high and we manually thin out the leaves of all the vines of the vineyard to increase sun exposition and grapes ventilation. The vines are between 6 and 50 years of age (the oldest planted after the severe frost of 1956). The average age is 30 years. Syrah is responsible for color, aromas, tannins and storage potential; Grenache – for the flexibility, harmony, structure and power of the wine.
Wine is made through the elaboration and careful care of vineyard, progressing to a well-considered cultivation and protecting the extraordinary biodiversity of this vineyard, never forgetting that the grape is a fruit, with our oenologist, Philippe Cambie, faithfully respecting this unique terroir expression and enhancing delicacy and fruit taste.
These are our principles and daily aims:
The harvest, all done by hand, usually takes place at the end of September and beginning of October when pulp, pits and grape-skin maturities are reached. A rigorous grape selection and transporting to the “Chai” in small quantities guarantee perfect condition of the fruit. All “stems” are eliminated. Approximately 4 weeks maceration takes place in temperature regulated stainless steel vats with a very high and special attention to the oxygen regulation. We do not “push” the malolactic but wait the natural process taking place by itself at the beginning of spring. We usually do not practice any filtration to keep our wines as natural as possible. In bottles, we keep wines during an additional 6 months in 12°C cellar before shipping.
Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Séguret 2015
White rose, hydrangea, acacia, and lemon blossom on the nose lead to a lacy-textured wine on the palate with white peach, red apple, and crisp limestone minerality. Exceptional acidity, very feminine.
Vineyards: terraced at 200 meters above sea level Nature of soil: clay, sand, and limestone terraces Size: 1 hectare Grape varieties: Clairette 40%, Grenache Blanc 30%, Viognier 20% and Ugni Blanc 10% Age of vines: between 10 to 30 years Density: 3500 plants/hectares Culture: reasoned agriculture and, if required, green harvest Harvest: manual to select the best clusters Average yield: 20 hl/hectares Average production: 2,000 bottles
Côtes-du-Rhône Combaou 2019
Bright currant, sweet cherry, and rose hip on the nose. The palate reveals layers of darker fruits, black plum, blueberry pie, and baking spices. A sappy and exceptionally drinkable CdR. Much richer than the average.
Vineyards: terraced on hillsides between 250 and 300 m above sea level Nature of soil: limestone and pebble stone Size: 2.5 hectares Grape varieties: Grenache 70%, Syrah 30% Age of vines: between 12 to 60 years of age with an average of 35 Density: 3500 plants/hectares Maturation: 3 weeks maceration in vats, 10 months in stainless steel vats Average yield: 35 hl/hectares Average production: 10.000 bottles
Vinsobres 2019
A deeper, more plush yet more structured wine then the Lou Combaou, Vinsobres is all black fruit on the nose, black currant, boysenberry, plum, and blueberry. On the palate you get a good balance of rich fruit and a firm core of acidity, with some leather, tar, and a good hit of sweet spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Superb texture.
Vineyards: terraced on hillsides between 300 and 400 m above sea level Nature of soil: limestone and pebble stone Size: 7 hectares Grape varieties: Grenache 65%, Syrah 35% Age of vines: between 12 to 60 years of age with an average of 31 Density: 3500 plants/hectares Maturation: 4 weeks maceration in vats; 80% – 8 months in stainless steel vats, 20% – 8 months in oak barrels of two wines Average yield: 25 hl/hectares Average production: 16,000 bottles
REVIEWS:
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 2012, WA December 2013
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 2016, WA November 2018
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 2015, WA December 2016
Vinsobres Confidence 2017
The 2012 Vinsorbes Confidence has notes of dark red fruits, this wine has a richness and elegance that fills the palate. Perfect balance and smooth tannins make this a wine to drink now, but it does have the structure to age and improve over the next few years.
Vineyards: terraced on hillsides between 300 and 400 m above sea level Nature of soil: limestone and pebble stone Size: 2 hectares Grape varieties: Grenache 60%, Syrah 40% Age of vines: between 12 to 60 years of age with an average of 30 Density: 3500 plants/hectares Winemaking: temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation Maturation: 4 weeks maceration in vats, 12 months in oak barrels of one wine, malolactic fermentation in barrels Average yield: 20 hl / hectares Average production: 6,000 bottles
REVIEWS:
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Confidence 2012, WA January 2015
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Confidence 2016, WA November 2018
Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Confidence 2015, WA December 2016
