Château Ciceron In Memoriam Rouge

Varietal range: Syrah, Grenache

Soil types: Located near the river Orbieu, in the Lagrasse area at the foot of Mount Alaric. Partly sheltered from the Cers, a westerly wind that blows across lower Languedoc, Lagrasse benefits from a Mediterranean climate very conducive to late ripening. The vineyard’s elevation between 150 and 250 metres above sea level mitigates the high summer temperatures.

Vineyard management: ‘Premières Vignes’ comes from the original vineyard. Its 7.5 ha of vines between 25 and 35 years old yield 30 hectolitres per hectare. Conversion to organic farming began in 2018.

Winemaking: Harvesting is done by hand, in crates. The fruit is picked in the morning only, to guarantee freshness. After destemming, the crop is sorted by hand. Fermentation starts directly, and includes some gentle pumping over. When alcoholic fermentation is finished, 30% of the wine is transferred into French oak casks for malolactic fermentation and remains there for 9 months.

Tasting notes: Aromatic and fruity, this indulgent red wine shows lovely supple tannins, flowing into notes of garrigue herbs and ripe cherries. The site gives red wines good ageability. They are long and balanced.

Drinking temperature: 16°C.