Domaine de Castelnau Garenne, Syrah IGP Pays d'Oc

Bottle notes

Located close to Pézenas, halfway between the Massif Central and Mediterranean Sea, Domaine de Castelnau Garenne comprises a 160-hectare estate that benefits from fresh sea breezes, preserving acidity and freshness in the grapes. It is owned by Christophe Muret who, like Yves Ricome of La Croix Gratiot, was a melon farmer before he began growing grapes in 1997. The word ‘Garenne’ in the domaine’s name, references the wild rabbits Christophe would see in his vines when he first started as a vigneron. Thankfully these are a rarer sight these days, but they still remind him of his winemaking journey.

As a farmer, whether of melons or grapes, Christophe has always employed sustainable methods to maintain a healthy soil structure and balanced ecosystem. His vines are planted on a combination of limestone, clay and loam soils, whose water retention helps prevent hydric stress in the vineyards during hot vintages.

South African-born winemaker François Prinsloo ensures the quality of Christophe’s farming shines through in the finished wines. Grapes are mechanically harvested at night to retain freshness and minimise phenolics in the wines before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The ‘Garenne’ Sauvignon Blanc has a refreshing character of lemon and nectarine fruit, while the Picpoul de Pinet displays an expressive floral nose with a core of vibrant stone fruit. A blend of 80% Cinsault and 20% Syrah, the Rosé is characterised by lively acidity and delicate wild strawberry and citrus notes. The Syrah is destemmed and gently crushed before fermentation and a three-week maceration in stainless steel. The resulting wine is defined by bright black fruit with hints of liquorice and pepper, balanced by a lifted acidity and ripe, supple tannins.

Details

Country: France

Region: Languedoc

Grape: Shiraz/Syrah

Alcohol: 13.5% VOL

Certification: Vegan

Closure: Screw Cap

Volume: 75cl