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Origin: Pays d'Oc, France
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 12.5%
Producer Profile
This property near Pézenas in the Languedoc was established in 1969 and is now run by Marc Cabrol. The estate runs to 40 hectares in size spread across many different parcels of land in the area which are based on red clay slopes and surrounded by the garrigue heathland found throughout this part of France.
They have recently modernised their winery which is built into a hillside and involved a lot of earth moving. The result was a considerable improvement ensuring a constant temperature and humidity within the winery which serves to increase the quality of their winemaking. In total they grow eleven different grape varieties, producing a range of reds, whites and rosés of which their flag bearing cuvée is the Picpoul de Pinet for which this part of the Languedoc is well known for. Overall the wines they produce are clean, fruit driven and well balanced. They are among a small group of Picpoul producers who are making wines that fit well with modern tastes while also being faithful to their appellation.
Grape Profile
Grenache – Syrah wines have been made for centuries, with the combination of supple Grenache and structured Syrah proving extremely successful. Both members of the blend prefer warm climates, such as those found in southern France, in Spain, and in the warmer New World regions. Wines made from this blend typically have aromas of stewed plums, black cherries, blueberries, black olives and even a hint of spiced dark chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. Cabernet Sauvignon has a large number of common blending partners. Apart from the obvious Merlot and Cabernet Franc, in the Languedoc region it blended with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre to give structure and freshness.
Region Profile
The climate here is distinctly Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and relatively mild winters helping to bring the grapes to full phenolic ripeness. The geology of this region is varied, mainly consisting of the hard limestone of the garrigues and the schiste ground as well as the gravel carried by the rivers and streams of the Languedoc region.
Viticulture
Domaine des Lauriers stretches over 45 hectares throughout the Mediterranean garrigue. Its proximity to the sea brings cooling breezes from the Thau Bassin. Harvest is done at night to keep grape freshness. Domaine des Lauriers who make this wine are an estate committed to sustainable agriculture and to that end they're members of France's Terra Vitis organisation which ensures high ethical standards are maintained by its members.
Vinification
Grapes are destemmed, and fermented in tanks. The three varietals are fermented separately. They are drained off the skins after ferment to avoid too much tannin extraction and to preserve the vibrant fruit and freshness. The wines are blended before bottling.