Domaine de Lastours, Rose, Languedoc

A crisp and refreshing pale blush rosé, with floral notes, juicy nectarine, red berried fruit and a hint of peppery spice.

Producer Note

Château de Lastours is an outstanding, historic wine estate located in Corbières, Languedoc. The Château takes its name from the watchtowers (Tours) that overlooked the ‘Via Domitia’ a dangerous route for medieval travellers. Located in the clay-limestone terroir of the ‘Corbières Maritime’, the estate covers 100 hectares of vineyard and 10 hectares of olive trees. Vines were first planted after the Revolution, but real progress only took place in 2004, when the Allard family took over and meticulously rejuvenated the vineyard and cellar. Focussing on quality and with an ethical approach, they employed organic practices, plot selection and sustainable cultivation, and the estate was certified organic in 2020. They produce award-winning, organic wines, which reveal the Corbières terroir with delicacy and purity of fruit. 

Vineyard

The vineyard sits on stony hillsides of clay-limestone soils which are exposed to the rising sun. The five to 15-year-old vines are organically cultivated. The plots are manually pruned by the same team every year, the pruning is adapted according to the vigour of the vine and to the style of wine the plot is destined for. The vines are de-budded with unproductive branches removed. Respect for the environment is paramount, even the vine supports are wooden to blend in with the landscape. Cover grass is grown between the rows during winter to protect the soils, which is kept low in winter by sheep that graze in the vineyard. A precise restructuring plan is followed, so every fallow is for a minimum of three years and it is planted with flowers to nurture the bees, improve soils and promote biodiversity. Organic manure is used to nourish the vines and only copper and sulphur products are employed; and the use these is reduced by the application of tisanes of horsetail, nettle and willow. Water management is key and a drip irrigation system has been installed, for judicious use when necessary.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested early in the morning, to preserve the freshness and the grapes were cooled to 6°C before being gently pressed. The juice underwent brief maceration of two hours to obtain the pale, delicate blush colour. The first press juice was clarified and fermented with selected yeasts at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The wine was matured in stainless steel tanks to retain the fruity characteristics and aromatic freshness. 

Tasting Note

A crisp and refreshing pale blush rosé, showing floral notes, juicy nectarine and red berried fruit layered with a touch of gooseberry and a delicious hint of peppery spice.

Grape

Grenache 60%, Cinsault 20%, Syrah 20%