Castellum Sauvignon Blanc 2023 75cl

Castellum designates in the Middle Ages the central castle Castrum, a fortified village situated on the heights of Languedoc. The name of this cuvée evokes the fortifications of the Cité de Carcassonne, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Comments from Guillaume Barraud, Deputy Director of the Estates:

We have the good fortune of having, on a clay-limestone plateau of the Estagnère estate, a plot of mature Sauvignon (15 years old) planted at the perfect density (5,000 vines/ha) with quality trellising that allows a fine leaf surface area, the driving force behind photosynthesis and grape ripening. The oceanic influence provides a cooler climate and preserves the aromas of the Sauvignon, which are sensitive to intense heat. Together with Gérard Bertrand, we saw the opportunity and the potential to create this exceptional cuvée. The technical choices — notably avoiding leaf removal in order to keep the grapes protected from the sun — along with the choice of biodynamic practices, allow this great Sauvignon to express itself fully in terms of both the grape variety and the terroir, with exceptional minerality and freshness. This first vintage of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc cuvée, of which a portion (2/3) is aged for 8 months in oak barrels, will rival its international counterparts.

Comments from Pierre-Alexis Menguel, Head Sommelier:

A great Sauvignon Blanc that expresses itself through an intense aromatic profile of exotic fruit and flint notes, and a fine acidity worthy of the greatest Sauvignons. 2022 is a vintage already noted as one of the greatest of the past 50 years, with ideal weather conditions and perfect balance. 

The work begins in the vineyard with great care to obtain healthy, well-exposed foliage. The grapes must reach an optimal level of ripeness. A plot selection is carried out on the clay-limestone plateaus of Domaine de l'Estagnère.

• Sauvignon blanc