Corbieres is one of the largest appellations in France and is divided into eleven territories including Lezignan, Boutenac, Sigean, and Lagrasse. These terroirs mainly produce red wines with 50% of the wine being made from Carignan grapes. These red wines are spicy and rich with full body, and fruit flavors. Previously, Corbieres was known for uncomplicated and cheap red wines. The best wine produced in the region can now hold their own with classic French vintages from Burgundy and Bordeaux. The arid region has been growing grapes since Roman times and at the height of summer, the deep black vine stocks still manage to conserve their parasols of lush green leaves by drawing water underground and shading the bunches of ripening grapes beneath. Cypress trees provide shade and windbreak. Soils can differ from one hillside to the next, which results in a diversity of wines. 80% of wines produced in Corbieres are red with the remaining 20% split between rose and white. Because of the geography and size, Corbieres has a huge range of microclimates and soil types.
Cote 125 Corbieres Rouge is made from 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper … all are present in this authentic French country wine. There are also some aromas of Garrigue (Rosemary, thyme and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well.
The wine is a perfect match with a nice rosemary marinated roasted lamb.
Castelmaure Grande Cuvee Corbieres Rouge is made from 50% Grenache (30 year old) and 50% Syrah (30 year old)..
In the early 1990’s, Castelmaure began experimenting with a Prestige Cuvée of Corbières. This wine has become known as “Grande Cuvée” and is made with the help of the winemaking team of Tardieu-Laurent.
Vinification: destemming, pneumatic press, end of fermentation at 25 degrees C; two racking; aging in tank then in 220 Liter Bordeaux barrels for 10-12 months. Egg fining, slight filtration..
Deep and intense color, powerful aromas of dark berry fruit, prune and coffee nuances, and a persistent finish.
Vineyards: planted on 50% Schist and 50% limestone soils.
Castelmaure Cuvee N°3 Corbieres is made from 70% Syrah, 28% grenache and 2% Carignan
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Johann Michel St. Joseph Rouge is made from 100 percent Syrah.
The parcel is quite small : only 0.37 hectares (0.9 acre) hence the very limited production: 700 bottles.
The vines are only 4 years old. They are planted at 120 meters in altitude and at a density of 4400 vines per hectare.
100% destemmed.
Aged in French Oak barrel for 12 months.
Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and aging on the lees for 12-18 months in barrels (2 to 4 year old barrels)
The average age of the vines is 25 years.
Yield: 33 hl/ha