Cabardès is the meeting point of two distinct climates: the cool atlantic from the west, and warm mediterrenean from the east. Our wines are a unique blend of grapes combining both climates; the atlantic cabernet-sauvignon, and the mediterranean syrah and grenache. For this reason, our grapes, grown at an altitude of 300 meters on the clay and chalk southern slopes of the «Montagne Noire» (Black Mountain) produce a unique wine that you will not find in any other region of France.
All our grapes are picked by hand between the 1st and 25th October
The grapes are produced from vines aged between 10 and 18 years. The grenache and cabernet-sauvignon have the stalks removed and are put into vats for about four weeks. The juices are extracted and re-pumped into the vats. The syrah is put into vats in whole bunches (macération carbonique). Once the alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentations are finished, the juices are extracted and put into another vat. The blending of different "cépages" (grape types) takes place about 10 months after the harvest. After many months more of resting, the wine is finally bottled at the domaine, after a light filtering.
This concentrated wine, has an exquisite colour of black cherries with dark shades. Complex aromas of blackberries, stewed fruits, black olives, pepper and cinnamon, with a touch of violets, surprising in intensity. Tasting reveals a superb structure of smooth tannins, ending with hints of liquorice.
Syrah is the principal grape in this wine, which can be drunk at 3 to 4 years after the harvest, but can kept many more, guarding its perfume and freshness.
Open at least one hour before serving at 16-18°C (60-64°F), decanting is recommended. Being a mediterranean style wine, do not hesitate to serve with dishes using garlic, aromatic herbs, bacon, black olives, truffles and game.
