Minervois Caissa Domaine la Rouviole Cru

This proudly independent family estate owned estate which was bought by the Léonor family in 1956 is located in the renowned Cru La Livinière area of Minervois. Wines are made from blends of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan from the best and oldest plots of the estate. Great care is taken to hand harvest the grapes at optimum ripeness and to express the terroir of the area. The wines have been certified organic since the 2011 vintage.

Vineyard

Certified organic since the 2011 vintage, the vines are grown on a hillside vineyard which benefits from more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Grown in chalky and clay soils, the vines are over 40 years old and produce an average yield of 30 hectolitres per hectare. De-budding takes place in May and a green harvest in July in order to concentrate the flavours in the berries. The grapes are hand-harvested in two tranches in September, when they have reached the optimal maturity and ripeness levels, from the best plots of the vineyard.

Winemaking

The grapes were carefully hand-harvested, with only the grapes that had reached optimal maturity and from the best plots of the vineyard being chosen. The wines were traditionally vinified. The Syrah component of the blend was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, of which 50 % were new barrels and 25% were second fill. The Grenache was aged in stainless steel tanks, to retain the fruity flavours, prior to the final blend.

Tasting Note

A rich, full bodied red wine with aromas of dark fruit with spice complemented by elegant oak flavours through to a fine, smooth finish.

Serving Suggestion

Great with leg of lamb or a ribeye steak.

Grape

Syrah 75%, Grenache 25%