Clos des Lunes

Identity

Clos des Lunes is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Sauternes, Gironde. It is owned and managed by Olivier Bernard, with Hugo Bernard heading the estate. Rémy Edange serves as deputy director, and Thomas Stonestreet holds the position of technical director. The Clos des Lunes project is also overseen by Hugo Bernard and Thomas Meillan.

History and philosophy

The Clos des Lunes project was launched in 2011 with the ambition of producing dry white wines, and the brand was officially created in 2012. The estate's philosophy draws inspiration from Domaine de Chevalier, founded on respect for the terroir and the fruit, alongside an unwavering pursuit of excellence. The estate holds HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification.

The appellations

Clos des Lunes produces wines under the Sauternes and Bordeaux appellations. The vineyard is situated on the Left Bank of the Garonne, 40 km south of Bordeaux, in the Sauternais region. The main terroirs are located in Sauternes and Bommes.

Practical information

Clos des Lunes is located at Lieu-dit Cap Lanne, 33210 Sauternes. Telephone inquiries can be made on +33 (0)5 56 64 16 16, and email correspondence should be sent to olivierbernard@domainedechevalier.com. Visits are strictly by appointment only and reserved for trade professionals. The estate does not offer cellar-door sales, mail-order sales, accommodation, or catering.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Clos des Lunes vineyard covers an area of 60 hectares, with vines averaging 40 years of age. The terroir is characterised by deep, well-aerated coarse gravel on the heights of Sauternes and red clay in Barsac, resting on a clay-limestone bedrock. The vineyard benefits from the natural drainage of the hillsides and an underground hydrographic network. Planting density is high. The grape varieties grown are Sémillon (70%) and Sauvignon Blanc (30%). Harvesting is carried out by hand in the morning, through successive selective pickings.

Signature cuvées

Clos des Lunes offers three white wine cuvées. The Lune d'Or cuvée is produced in limited quantities, with around 5,000 bottles per year sourced from 20 barrels per vintage. It is aged entirely in barrels for 12 to 15 months, delivering purity, remarkable breadth, and a rich structure. The Lune d'Argent cuvée represents the core of the estate's production, combining dense, rich Sémillon with a touch of French oak, and refined, delicate Sauvignon Blanc. The Lune Blanche cuvée is a refreshing, smooth, and harmonious wine crafted without oak ageing, designed to be enjoyed in its youth with vibrant, pure notes of ripe fruit. The estate produces approximately 250,000 bottles per year.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification at Clos des Lunes begins with gentle, slow pressing. The wines are vinified in small, temperature-controlled 50-hectolitre vats or directly in barrels. The Lune d'Or cuvée is aged entirely in oak barrels for 12 to 15 months, whereas Lune Blanche undergoes no oak ageing.