Chateau de Pennautier is located just 5Km from the medieval city of Carcassonne.and sits in the relatively new appellation of Cabardès. The current owners, Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril, are tenth generation winemakers and took over the estate in 1987. They currently manage 102 hectares producing AOC Cabardès and 80 hectares producing vin de pays. The family also have estates in other Languedoc appelations. Vineyards are largely on the slopes of the nearby Black Mountains between 230-360m of elevation. Vineyards are planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah.
Cabardès is a relatively new appellation having been created in 1999 for the production of red and rosé wines. It is the only appellation in France that allows the blending of grapes from Mediterranean climates, such as Grenache and Syrah, with grapes from Atlantic climates, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Estates must grow 50% of its grapes from each region and wines must be a blend of both.
Chateau de Pennautier is well geared up for visitors. There is a wine trail trough the property, daily cellar tours, wine tasting in the boutique and an excellent restaurant. Tours take place twice a day in the summer months but are very popular and should therefore be booked in advance. The restaurant, La Table du Chateau, is open for lunch and dinner every day in July and August but has restricted opening out of the main holiday months. It is therefore well worth checking opening hours on their website.
Wine tasting is available in the boutique between 10.00 -19.00 Monday to Saturday and 10.00 – 17.00 on a Sunday.
La Rosée d’été. Vin de Pays d’Oc. 2018. Pale sale,on pink in appearance. Red fruits with floral notes. The palate is crisp and fresh with a finish of soft red fruits.
Chateau de Pennautier Rosé. Cabardès. 2018. A blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault. Nice weight and balance with strawberry, cranberry and blackcurrant fruits.
Petit Marquis de Pennautier. Vin de Pays d’Oc. 2018. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay Fermented in stainless steel. Nose is aromatic and peachy. Dry and crisp with a lovely lime citrus finish.
Marquis de Pennautier. Terroir d’Altitude Chardonnay. 2015. Vin de Pays d’Oc. Fermented in oak for 3 weeks then aged in oak for 10 months. The nose is delightful, tropical, stone fruit, honey and vanilla. Nicely balanced with lovely fresh acidity backed with a buttery texture. Very nice indeed.
Chateau de Pennautier. Terroir d’Altitude. Cabardès. 2014. A blend of Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aged for one year in second season oak. Nose is very Bordeaux blend in nature with a savoury core. The palate is medium bodied with nice freshness. Very drinkable.
L’Esprit de Pennautier. Cabardès. 2015. A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A good depth of colour showing hints of maturity at the rim. Plummy black fruit, tobacco with a hint of mint. Palate is round, rich and complex. Tannins are softening. Nicely balanced. Very good.
