Capitelle
de Centeilles
The
tenements of Centeilles
Under
this generic term a certain number of cuvée are made
in limited quantities. they owe their characters to their
terroirs of origin, as is the case of Capitelle.
"Tènements" is an old term in "langue
d'oc" or Occitan (the old language spoken in the languedoc
region) meaning the different quarters of a communal territory.
"Tènements" is to the winegrower from the
Languedoc what "climat" is to the winegrower from
Burgundy: a live reality, rich in historical connotations,
in a infinite range of noble terroirs.
About
Capitelle....
It
is after an ancient stone construction which occupies the
center of one our nicest terroirs. In the 19th century, shepherds
still built circular or square "capitelles". The
dome-shapped roof of these picturesque shelters is often completed
outside by a "peirefiche" at its top and inside
by encorbelled sandstone rocks forming a vault. This parcel
is the perfect example of a "cleaning vineyard"
with all its micro-climatic advantes. It is situated in the
middle of Mediterranean type scrubs, in its strategic location
of the estate overlooking the whole of the Minervois plain
and offering a wide view of the Corbières hills and
beyond them the Pyrenees. The silicious stony soil lays over
Tertiary (Bartonian) sandstone which is here particulary cracked
and proves to be ideal for the difficult Cinsault grape variety
thanks to its heating and filtering properties.
The Cinsault grape variety (100% of this cuvée) was
responsible for the grands crus of Languedoc in the 18th and
19th centuries. Later, having been planted at random, Cinsault
fell into disgrace. Difficult to adapt, but here in the prime
of life with its strong trunks and stretched arms from successive
prunings, Cinsault has regained the qualities for which, in
the past, it was acknowledged as the best of many varieties.
Destemmed, crushed, endlessly macerated (eight weeks!) in
open vats, its cap punched by foot twenty to thirty times:
at the end of this "obsessive" vatting time, the
Cinsault grape variety expresses all of its nobility. With
silky, delicate tannins and fruit melted in the mellowness
of the alcohol, this is a wine of great elegance.
Personality
Everything
in this cuvée expresses youth:
- a nice purple color
- sound fruit aromas
- In the mouth, it is lively and crisp in the beginning
- on the "middle" palate it is underlain by a tonic
acidity and a voluptous warmth, enhancing aromas or fruit
and boiled sweets
- The finish has soft tannins enveloped in fire and mellowness
"Capitelle de
Centeilles" has a general attractive balance which is
reminiscent of the best Chiroubles or Julienas.
It has the charm of a radiant wine: sensual, full of joy and
with no dissimilation.
|
