The Artisan Xavier Braujou: Domaine La Terrasse d’Elise
Domaine La Terrasse d’Elise, located in Aniane, north of Montpellier in the Languedoc region, was established in 1998 by Xavier Braujou, a former lumberjack.
The domain gradually expanded from 2001 until it reached the 14 hectares that he cultivates today with the help of his son and daughter. Beween 1998 and 2008 Xavier continued working part time as a lumberjack to finance his expanding vineyard. His vineyard holdings is planted 12 hectares with red varieties such as Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, along with 2 hectares of white varieties like Marsanne, Roussanne, and Chardonnay.
The estate follows organic and biodynamic principles, although it is not certified, and maintains very low yields of around 20 hl/ha. The vines are grown in gobelet style on soils of rolled pebbles and clay-limestone.
Xavier Braujou a self taught winemaker is known for his meticulous and passionate approach. He practices manual harvesting and minimal intervention in the cellar, with aging done in used barrels or stainless steel tanks. His wines are typically aged for long periods, ranging from 12 to 24 months, without the use of new oak. Most of the production at La Terrasse d’Elise is single-varietal, reflecting Xavier’s commitment to expressing the complexity of his terroir.
Notable cuvées include XB, Elise, L’Enclos, Le Pigeonnier, Le Pradel, and Siclène, each known for their finesse, purity of fruit, freshness, elegance, and balance.
The estate has earned a reputation for producing wines that stand out in the Languedoc region, often compared to prestigious neighbors like La Grange des Pères, Mas Daumas Gassac, and Domaine Olivier Cohen. Critics have praised wines such as Le Pradel, and Xavier’s philosophy of disregarding appellations to maintain control over his winemaking choices has garnered respect.
His dedication to quality and the unique expression of his terroir has made Domaine La Terrasse d’Elise a celebrated name in the French wine landscape. Xavier, assisted by his son and daughter, continues to bring prestige to varieties like Cinsault and Carignan, often used in blends, and his wines are known for their ability to evoke strong emotions in those who taste them.