Castelmaure : N°3 de Castelmaure 2017

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for N°3 de Castelmaure 2017

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour is intense and deep, with dark, violet highlights that reflect its beautiful concentration.

Nose
Powerful and complex, the nose exudes generous aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, intertwined with notes of spice and aniseed. With aeration, subtle woody nuances and Mediterranean scents of garrigue emerge.

Palate
The palate is seductive in its power and breadth, supported by perfectly polished tannins. The whole is remarkably well-integrated, blending vibrant fruit with delicate oak, extending into a long, persistent finish with spicy and herbal accents.

Food and Wine Pairing

This gastronomic red wine pairs wonderfully with rich, flavourful dishes from traditional cuisine. It will beautifully complement duck confit, herb-roasted lamb, game in sauce, or a selection of mature cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate the N°3 de Castelmaure 2017, it is recommended to decant it and let it breathe for about four hours before tasting, with an ideal serving temperature of around 16°C.

The Power and Complexity of a Great Red Wine from Corbières

The Estate

Founded in 1921 by Dr. Paul Courrent, the Castelmaure cooperative winery is located at the heart of the Hautes Corbières, in the Languedoc. Now headed by Marc Labatut, this roughly 400-hectare estate has established itself as an essential reference. A pioneer in the revival of the Carignan grape variety and focused exclusively on estate bottling, it boldly combines artisanal tradition, exacting quality standards, and contemporary architecture to produce wines of remarkable distinction.

The Vineyard

The vines behind this cuvée thrive at around 300 metres in altitude on wild terroir composed of schist and limestone, typical of the Corbières appellation. Surrounded by Mediterranean garrigue, this vineyard is managed according to the principles of sustainable farming. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand, in small crates, to preserve the quality and integrity of the grapes.

The Vintage

2017 was an exceptional year in the region. Marked by a hot, dry summer and abundant sunshine, it allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. The depth of the soils played a key role in preserving the vines' freshness despite the heat, resulting in grapes of great concentration.

Winemaking and Ageing

The production of N°3 de Castelmaure 2017 begins with a cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by a short vinification at low temperature to preserve the vibrancy of the fruit. Some Syrah clusters are vinified as whole bunches and without added sulphur. The wine is then aged on lees in oak barrels for twelve months, before being bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape Varieties

This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Carignan.