The south of France can be a tricky area to traverse, so when you find a beauty of a wine from the region, you dig in, learn more, and spread the word.
In my most recent Languedoc-Roussillon review, I came across Château du Grand Caumont's Cuvée Tradition Corbières 2020. It proved itself more than worthy of a share.
About Château du Grand Caumont
Before we get into the juice in the bottle, let's talk about the history behind the Château.
Château du Grand Caumont has existed since Roman times and is in the Corbières appellation of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. In the 9th century, it was owned by the French King Charles Le Chauve. Unfortunately, the château fell victim to the French Revolution, and much of it was destroyed. What remains today of the original build is the large domain tower and two dignified gateways.
In 1906 Louis Rigal, founder of the famous Rigal Roquefort cheese production, bought the estate. To this date, the winery is still in the family with Laurence Rigal, the granddaughter of founder Louis Rigal, at the helm.
The family highly values sustainable winemaking, which shows in their practices from their 1,000-hectare vineyard to cellar.
About Château du Grand Caumont Cuvée Tradition Corbières 2020
When vinifying Carignan, the winery goes the route of carbonic maceration, and you pick that up in this luscious red blend. While the brand produces 30% of its wines in Vins de Pays, IGP Oc, and IGP Aude, this wine is entirely from and made in the style of the Corbières AOP.
The Château du Grand Caumont Cuvée Tradition Corbières 2020 has a brooding near purple hue that builds expectation. On the nose, red cherry, raspberry, fig, some blackberry, dark plum, and tomato leaf are present.
On the palate, red, black, and blue berries, fig, anise, maple syrup glazed bacon, mushroom, tobacco, leather, and mineral notes present themselves. This is a complex wine made up of Carignan (45%), Syrah (40%), and Grenache (15%).
The Château du Grand Caumont Cuvée Tradition Corbières 2020 can be found at the LCBO for $14.95, in vintages.