TERROIR
Situated between the vallexs of the Dordogne and the Dropt rivers, the geology of this particular part of the Bergerac appellation consists predominantly of molasses on layers of limestone.
Although the average height is quite low, the countryside is very hilly and has excellent drainage.
The village of St. Julien is situated on a south facing hillside, fully exposed to the sun, which is essential for obtaining a perfect maturity of the grapes.
The vines of Clos le Joncal are planted all around the village, and in the centre of these vines, you will find the wine producing cellar. This enables the harvest to be transported rapidly to the wine vats, which is vital for the potential quality of the wine, as the risk of oxidation is very high.
THE GRAPE VARIETIES
Sémillon : The oldest grape variety of the Bergerac appellation, indispensable in all the great white wines of the South West. Thanks to the ‘noble rot’, this is the main grape variety used in sweet white wines, but it is also used for the dry white wines of Clos le Joncal. Grown on the plots of land referred to as “Tuquet” (planted in 1988), and “Franciment” (planted in 1954), this variety takes up over 2 Ha of land.
Sauvignon blanc et gris : A grape variety which is caracteristic of numerous dry white wines. Its very distinctive perfume is vital for obtaining an aromatic complexity. The grey sauvignon occupies 4000 sq. metres (Roland, English people generally do not know what an Are is, and refer to land in square metres, therefore I have put sq. metres – o.k.?), on the plot of land referred to as Tuquet, and forms on average 40% of the grape varieties which go into the top of the range white wine, Alpha du Joncal.
Muscadelle : A very old grape variety which is in decline due to its sensibility to various diseases of the vine. Added to the other grape varieties of the South West, it provides a very pleasant fruitiness, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. 4000 sq. metres are planted on the “Tuquet” plot of land and this grape variety makes up nearly 20% of the “Alpha” wine.
Merlot : The most important grape variety of the Bergerac appellation, it makes up over 60% of all the red wines of Clos le Joncal. The grapes planted on the plot of land known as “Fontette” (1.5Ha planted in 1984), are used solely for the “Mirage” red wine. Three other parcels of land contribute to the Mirage : “L’Escourou” (6000 sq. metres planted in 1974), “Arnelou” (5000 sq. metres planted in 1997), and “La Piste” (7,500 sq. metres planted in 1999).
Cabernet sauvignon : Probably the best known red grape variety in the world, it is outstanding on certain sections of land where it is able to achieve perfect maturity. Used in all the red wines of Clos le Joncal, it is grown on the plots of land known as “Caveau” (9000 sq. metres planted in 2001), and “Arnetou” (8000 Sq. metres planted in 1996).
Cabernet franc : Known for a long time in the South West, it has a low yield and is very aromatic. This variety is very important in the composition of the red wines at Clos le Joncal. In 1974, 5000 sq. metres were planted in “Escourou”, and in 2000, 7500 sq. metres where planted on “La Piste”, at a density of 6700 vines per Ha, with a view to obtaining a top quality grape in the years to come.
VINEYARDS
« Le Caveau » : 0,90 ha. Chalky soil, cabernet sauvignon from 2001. Density 6700 wines/ha
« Lescourou » : 1,10 ha. Clayey limestone. 60 ares merlot, 50 ares Cabernet franc. Planted 1974.
« Arnetou » : 1,30 ha. Clayey limestone. 80 ares cabernet sauvignon, 50 ares merlot. Planted 1996 whith 3300 wines/ha.
« Fontette » : 1,50 ha.Clayey limestone . Merlot. Planted in 1984.
« La piste » : 0,75 ha. Clayey limestone. Merlot. Planted in 1998 whith 3300 wines/ha.
« La piste Ouest » : 0,75 ares. Clayey limestone. Cabernet franc at 6700 wines/ha. Planted in 2000.
« La piste Est » : 0,80 ares. Clayey and clayey limestone. 40 ares Sauvignon gris, 40 ares Muscadelle, planted 1998, 3300 wines/ha.
« Le Tuquet » : 1,20 ha.Clayey and clayey limestone . Sémillon. Planted 1988.
« Franciment » : 0,90 ha. Clayey and clayey limestone. Sauvignon blanc. Planted in 2005 whith 6700 wines/ha.