Domaine Saint Jacques d'Albas

Located in Laure-Minervois, in the Minervois, at the heart of the Languedoc, Château Saint Jacques d’Albas occupies an area between Carcassonne, the Montagne Noire and the Canal du Midi. The family estate is set in an environment of more than 60 hectares of forest and garrigue, where an 11th-century chapel stands alongside 26 hectares of vines farmed organically. This natural and heritage setting accompanies a winegrowing philosophy based on limiting yields and on organic management of the soil and the vine.

The estate’s name is associated with the Minervois appellation, whose expression it champions. In 2001, an extensive renovation program was undertaken: rebalancing the soils, replanting and using modern winemaking techniques. Winemaking favors minimal intervention, with temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a delicate use of oak for the aged wines, in order to preserve the expression of the fruit. The wines are presented as elegant Minervois, with complex yet supple tannins.

La Chapelle rouge blends Syrah from the oldest vines, complemented by a touch of Grenache, with 18 months of oak aging. La Chapelle blanche is an organic Viognier aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Albas rouge combines Syrah and Grenache; Albas blanc blends Roussanne and Marsanne. The Petit Saint Jacques cuvées include a rosé made from Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, a red dominated by Syrah and a Pays d’Oc white based on Vermentino and Viognier. La Collection offers limited editions, including Le Pur Sans, 100% organic Grenache with no added sulfites, and Douceur d’Automne, from a late harvest of Petit Manseng.

The team brings together Graham Nutter as ambassador, Inès and Martine at reception, and Arnaud and Yannick in the vineyard and cellar. Three gîtes with a swimming pool and tennis court complete the estate, while the St Jacques association organizes jazz and classical music gatherings.