The 90 ha vineyard is situated on the coast in Port-Vendres on the shores of the Mediterranean in the protected geographical area of the Paulilles Bay. The single plot is the largest in the Collioure and Banyuls appellations.

It had been owned since 1975 by Jean and Bernard Dauré, who were the first producers to vinify and market a Banyuls Rimage (Vintage), which they named Robert Doutres after their cellar master. The vineyard was put on the market by the Dauré family in 2011.

Lionel Lavail, president of Maison Cazes, said he planned to replant the Grenache and build a new restaurant and shop.

Poor schist soils, dry, sunny climate, low yields and proximity to the cooling influences of the sea make it an ideal terroir for Syrah, Grenache (Noir, Gris and Blanc) and Mourvèdre, which go to make the estate's Collioure red, white and rosé, Banyuls Rimage and Banyuls Traditionnel, the company said.

Simon Dauré, who has managed Les Clos des Paulilles since 2005, said: "The acquisition by Maison Cazes and its team of young passionate professionals will give the property a very bright future. They have excellent plans and I am certain Les Clos des Paulilles will go from strength to strength."