Clos de Trias

Clos de Trias lies high in the foothills of the Ventoux mountain range in the Côtes du Ventoux. This hugely exciting region lies to the east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is marked by a handful of small, boutique winemakers who recognise its quality potential. Owner and winemaker of Clos de Trias, Even Bakke, set up his domaine here in 2007, having spent three years searching for the perfect location. He was born in Colorado, grew up in Norway, spent 14 vintages working in California and is now one of the most intuitive winemakers in the Rhône. Thanks to its altitude, Clos de Trias escapes much of the heat that besieges its neighbours lower down the slope and Even’s 20 hectares of organic, old-vine vineyards which include plantings of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan thrive. His style is unique: non interventionist winemaking is key to his success and he uses the most natural methods possible to make wine on his terms. He uses only natural yeasts, no temperature control and will only bottle his wines when he deems them perfect, until then they are left to age in his cellar. As a result, his releases are rarely linear, but they are hugely anticipated. His understanding of his terroir and his winemaking abilities result in some of the most interesting and individual wines coming out for the Southern Rhône.