Château des Alouettes – Red - 2006

AOC Costières de Nîmes

The chateau is part of the village of Générac, about a dozen kilometres from the ancient town of Nîmes, and owes its name (“alouette” means lark) to the shooting parties held in its game-rich vineyards in the early 20th century. This property of over 20ha has been in the Larguier family for several generations.

Terroir: The soils are highly typical of the appellation with large smooth stones from alluvial deposits from the Rhone and Durance rivers on a clay-limestone subsoil.

Grape varieties: The varieties are typical of the appellation: 75% syrah and 25% grenache.

Vinification: The grapes are harvested when perfectly ripe then destemmed.

Maceration lasts 18-20 days with perfect temperature control and careful extraction of the aromatic and polyphenolic elements (pumping-over and delestage).

Maturing: When malolactic fermentation is complete, the wines are racked twice and blended. Then they are left to mature in vats for 8 months.

Tasting notes: A lovely deep glowing red, this wine has powerful aromas of violet, red fruit and bay. The mouth is full and fruity with a balanced and softened finish.

Ageing potential: Can be enjoyed now but will keep for 3 years.

Recommended serving temperature: Serve at around 18°C.

Accompaniment advice: Goes well with white meat and barbecues.

Silver Medal Orange 2007