Winemaker Notes
Chateau de Pennautier marries the rich charm of Mediterranean grapes, Syrah and Grenache, with the fresh elegance of Aquitaine varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, made possible by a rare conjunction of climate, altitude and terroir offered by Nature. Since 1620, far from the influence of passing fashions, this family domaine has fervently nurtured a quest for balance, respectful of traditions.

TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of savory spices, rustic, earthy notes, and black fruits. Enjoy it with simple homemade beef stew. (Tasted: November 24, 2022, San Francisco, CA)

Maison Lorgeril, a family enterprise, was founded in 1620 in the South of France, between the Rhone Valley and the Pyrenees. Since 1987, Nicolas de Lorgeril, from a tenth generation family of winemakers, and his wife Miren de Saint Chamas, have been expanding their business beyond Château de Pennautier, the family’s historical birth place. Passionate about winemaking, they have selected the best terroirs in the Languedoc and Roussillon areas (with chalky, brown and black schists, gneiss and sandstone soils) at altitudes raging from 200 to 400 meters above sea level to temper the Mediterranean heat and sun, allowing a slow organic maturation of the grapes and the development of gentle and smooth aromas. Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril now own 6 wineries on 9 AOC districts (Cabardès, Minervois, Minervois-la-Livinière, Saint-Chinian, Faugères, Côtes du Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Maury, Languedoc), and 300 hectares of vineyards. Respecting the characteristics of each terroir is essential and their vineyards follow sustainable agriculture principles and are HEV (High Environmental Value) certified which guarantees a farm’s high level of environmental performance.

Though the Cabardès AOC, approved for reds and rosés, was only established in 1999, winemaking and viticulture stretch back to Roman times. Situated north of Carcassonne in a natural amphitheater on the south-facing slopes of the Montagne Noire, its 550 hectares of hillside vines occupy a unique climatological spot “between the East Wind and the West,” as its official website says.

The East Wind (the Marin) brings soft, humid air from the Atlantic coast, and in it thrive the Bordelaise varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The West Wind (the Cers) brings hot, dry air from the Languedoc plain, ripening the sun-loving southern French varieties, Grenache and Syrah. AOC Cabardès wines must be a minimum 40% each of East Wind and West Wind varieties. The result are wines unique in complexity and character—firm tannins and black fruit from the East, with savory herbs and sunny berry fruit from the West.