Clos Centeilles La Livinière Minervois

Minervois, France

The benchmark for La Livinière's highest-altitude limestone plateau — Patricia Domergue's biodynamic Syrah and Grenache from the sub-zone's finest limestone parcels. Dark cherry, olive, wild herbs (garrigue: thyme, rosemary, cistus), iron mineral, and a Languedoc character that rivals the southern Rhône's finest villages. Develops magnificently over 8-10 years. The definitive expression of what La Livinière limestone can achieve.

Pairing intelligence

• main: The Languedoc's most iconic dish and its finest red — Minervois's herb complexity and dark fruit bridges the cassoulet's accumulated richness; duck confit's fat is matched by the wine's structure; white beans soften the garrigue herb intensity
• main: The Mediterranean fish roasted with the region's aromatic landscape — Minervois's garrigue herb character bridges the sea bream's Mediterranean character; tapenade's olive mirrors the wine's olive note; tomato's acidity contrasts the dark fruit