In the year 2000, Luc Baudet took the helm of Château Mas Neuf. In just under 15 years, he transformed it into a benchmark of excellence. Adjacent to his domain, Bruno François managed Clos de Américains. After several years, Baudet decided to sell Château Mas Neuf - retaining only 7 hectares of vineyards nestled amongst oak trees and olive groves - and partnered with his neighbor.
Today, they collaborate at Clos des Centenaires, a new winery that produces elegant and refreshing wines, such as Clos des Centenaires Art' blanc. A shared passion for artisanal wines has united these winemakers. Specifically, this venture is located in the south of France, in the eastern part of the Languedoc, in close proximity to the town of Vauvert (30 minutes from Nîmes). The 7 hectares of vineyards thrive under the I.G.P. Pays d'Oc designation, on a pebbly hillside blessed with a gentle climate year-round, featuring mild summers. The influence of the Mediterranean Sea (less than 20 km away), as well as the lakes of the Petite Camargue nature reserve (also less than 20 km away), is crucial as they temper the climate, allowing for a slow and high-quality ripening process.
The finesse and elegance of Clos des Centenaires Art' blanc are achieved through meticulously cared-for grapes, which are monitored daily to ensure the optimal balance of sugar and acidity. Additionally, the work in the vineyard and on the vines is carried out manually and with artisanal methods, including hand harvesting. The grapes for Clos des Centenaires Art' blanc are directly transferred to the press, yielding a juice that is then placed in a cold chamber. This step facilitates the settling process, which involves the removal of sediments and vegetal substances by decantation. As a result, higher quality musts are obtained, which lead to superior wines after fermentation. In the case of Clos des Centenaires Art' blanc, it ferments in 300-liter barrels where it will remain for one year on its lees.