summary In the Heart of Languedoc

Transcription

1

2

3 summary CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS In the Heart of Languedoc Founded in 1710 A Collection of Great Wines The Art of WineMaking Page 4 Page 8 Page 12 Page

4 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS In the Heart of Languedoc The history of the Château de Gragnos is above all identified with that of a region, Provence, and with the vineyards of Languedoc. It is the product of the merging of a particular way of life closely linked to an exceptional heritage and of a tradition of winemaking expertise that goes back over two thousand years. 6 7

5 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS In the Heart of Languedoc Languedoc is a region that is essentially defined by its culture. It thus represents a combination of art and of attachment to the land. The Spirit of the South of France A Vineyard Dating Back over Two Thousand Years 8 Located in Saint-Chinian, the Château de Gragnos is situated at the heart of the South of France with its rich culture. It possesses a unique heritage that combines history with a way of life that can be traced back to Antiquity. Two thousand years ago Gallia Narbonensis, or Narbonese Gaul, was one of the most important provinces of the Roman Empire. Cities such as Arles, Nîmes and Narbonne were the focal points of the society of the time and gave rise to an intense cultural activity that still continues today. To this historic heritage can be added the regional influences of Provence. The Château de Gragnos is situated in Occitania, the heart of the Cathar Country, at the very gates of Provence. Its unique natural and cultural heritage is a guarantee of the authenticity of its expertise and refinement. The vineyards of Languedoc, where grapes have been grown since before the time of the Roman Empire, make it one of the oldest vineyards of the world. Inserted between the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Cévennes, the region offers a variety of terroirs particularly suited to the cultivation of the vine. Languedoc, the largest of the French wine-producing regions, is recognized all over the world for its «Grands Vins du Languedoc», classified into various Appellations d Origine Contrôlée (AOC), or «controlled designations of origin». Numbering 18 in the region, these AOCs mark out the best areas of production and include that of the prestigious designation «Saint-Chinian», in which the Château de Gragnos is located. Split into two parts, Saint-Chinian is a quintessential AOC wine-producing area of the South of France. The northern part of the zone, with soils with a high schist content, produces deep-colored wines with an expressive aroma and frequent fruity notes. These are wines that recall the odors of the surrounding scrubland. To the south of the village of Saint-Chinian, in the area where the Château de Gragnos is situated, the chalky-clay soils produce wines that are more subtle and less robust. These are elegant, structured wines with multiple facets. 9

6 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS Founded in 1710 Proud of its royal origins, the traditions of the Château de Gragnos are closely linked to a most noble form of cultivation, the vine. A unique expression of the Grands Vins du Languedoc wines, created from a vineyard in the heart of the prestigious designated production area of Saint-Chinian

7 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS Founded in 1710 For over 300 years the Château de Gragnos has cultivated a winegrowing tradition based on the highest level of expertise placed at the service of a truly exceptional vineyard. Royal Ancestry An Exceptional Vineyard 12 Built over the remains of an ancient Roman villa, the history of the Château de Gragnos can be traced back to medieval times. Restructured into its present form in 1710, it originally depended on the Duchy of Toulouse and later became the seat of the Counts of Gragnos. Up to the time of the French Revolution, the estate of the Château de Gragnos considerably expanded its activities, soon adding silkmaking to wine production and the cultivation of wheat. The Château de Gragnos became a family property in A masterpiece of 18 th century architecture, the Château has four main buildings constructed around an officially-protected square courtyard. The entire complex, consisting of a stately home, a private chapel, an old wine storehouse, the winery, tasting rooms and outhouses, has been progressively restored while strictly respecting traditional techniques. Only Château of the Saint-Chinian designated zone and with over three centuries of history behind it, the Château de Gragnos epitomizes the spirit of the entire production area. At the heart of a fully-conserved estate of over 80 hectares (200 acres), the best 20 hectares (50 acres) are reserved for the vineyard. Planted in the heart of the prestigious Saint- Chinian AOC production zone, the Château de Gragnos vineyard features not only the typical grape varieties of the Grands Vins du Languedoc (Syrah, Grenache and Carignan), but also others including Merlot, Viognier, Muscat and Cinsault. Situated on slightly elevated land facing south south-west, the vineyard enjoys a micro-climate that allows for the more gradual ripening of the grapes so as to give a perfect expression of its aromas and terroir. It is this exceptional setting, combined with the unrivaled quality of the vines themselves, that creates the unique Château de Gragnos style. This is the product of a perfect balance between the power of the Grands Vins du Languedoc and the freshness of more temperate climates. The age of the Château s vines varies between 10 years, in the case of the youngest plants, to over 70 years for the oldest. Each vineyard lot is carefully maintained in keeping with traditional methods, entailing : sensible cultivation in line with official French standards respect for the land caring for each vine rootstock by hand harmonious matching of vines and soils. 13

8 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS A Collection of Great Wines Château de Gragnos epitomizes the outstanding quality of the Grands Vins du Languedoc. A collection of rare wines combining the power and character typical of the vintages of the South of France with the freshness and elegance of the Château s inimitable style

9 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS 2012 A Very Good Vintage In contrast with the previous vintage, this year was especially characterized by its low temperatures. The cool weather considerably slowed down the ripening of the grapes and thus prolonged the development of the vines aromas. This paved the way for the emergence of a wine that is proving to be a magnificent expression of the Saint-Chinian designation of origin. Its exceptional potential for maturing has been confirmed by the first tastings, which have revealed a refined character that will persist for many years

10 Grand Vin du Languedoc CHâteau de gragnos Saint-Chinian Cuvée Prestige AOC Saint-Chinian 2012 The Cuvée Prestige from the Château de Gragnos is the purest expression of the inimitable style of our great wines. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Château de Gragnos Cuvée Prestige, the Spirit of a Fine Wine The Château de Gragnos Cuvée Prestige is the perfect expression of the unique style of the Château s wines: power, freshness and elegance. Essence of a complex terroir, this great wine represents an exceptional vintage, the fruit of a patient process of winemaking that is in full keeping with the traditional expertise passed down from generation to generation. This fine wine is enhanced by a black bottle that, like the precious showcase that it is, bears the wax seal of the Château de Gragnos. The bottle thus pays tribute to the beauty and nobility of a wine of rare quality

11 Grand Vin du Languedoc CHâteau de gragnos Saint-Chinian AOC Saint-Chinian 2012 The Château de Gragnos adds its characteristic freshness to a magnificent interpretation of the terroir of the Saint-Chinian area of production. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Château de Gragnos, a Grand Vin du Languedoc The Château de Gragnos represents the very essence of the unique style of the Château s wines: a rare combination of power, elegance, and especially of freshness. A Grand Vin du Languedoc from the exceptional 2012 vintage, the result of a dedicated process of winemaking undertaken in a spirit of the closest respect for the traditional methods and techniques passed down from generation to generation. This fine wine is enhanced by a black bottle set with the wax seal of the Château de Gragnos. The bottle thus pays tribute to the personality and nobility of a wine of the finest quality

12 Vin du Languedoc DOMAINE de gragnos SYRAH MERLOT IGP Pays d Oc 2012 In the Domaine de Gragnos wine-lovers will recognize the characteristics and the profile of a great wine. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Domaine de Gragnos, the Spirit of A Terroir Domaine de Gragnos wine is like the terroir that produces it: aromatic, powerful, subtle. This wine, named for the Pays d Oc (as Languedoc is also sometimes called), is made from a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Grenache grape varieties, and deliberately moves away from the typical characteristics of the AOC designation to present a distinct new style. The purity and freshness of the 2012 vintage are enhanced by a winemaking process in full keeping with the traditional expertise passed down from generation to generation. With a final touch of extravagance, this wine of character is presented in a black bottle, a tribute to its quality and nobility

13 Vin du Languedoc DOMAINE de gragnos GRAINS DE BLANC IGP Pays d Oc Vendanges Tardives 2012 With the superb 2012 vintage the Domaine de Gragnos Grains de Blanc reaches a level of unrivaled refinement. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Domaine de Gragnos, the Spirit of A Terroir The Domaine de Gragnos is like the terroir that produced it: aromatic, powerful, subtle. Grains de Blanc is a Pays d Oc white wine that deliberately moves away from the conventions to propose a distinct new style. A blend of the Viognier and Muscat grape varieties, and vinified in wooden barrels, it develops an excellent aromatic power without sacrificing its elegance and lightness. This 2012 vintage brings an additional aromatic complexity to a wine made in full keeping with the traditional expertise passed down from generation to generation. Domaine de Gragnos wine is presented in a special sommelier s bottle that reflects its quality and is set with a wax seal that is affixed by hand

14 Grand Vin du Languedoc CHâteau de gragnos Saint-Chinian AOC Saint-Chinian 2012 A modern, prestigious vision of the rosé wines of the South of France. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Château de Gragnos, a Grand Vin du Languedoc The Château de Gragnos represents the very essence of the unique style of the Château s wines: a rare combination of power, elegance, and especially of freshness. A Grand Vin du Languedoc that represents an exceptional vintage, the fruit of a patient process of winemaking that is in full keeping with the traditional expertise passed down from generation to generation. Château de Gragnos Rosé wine is presented in a special sommelier s bottle that reflects its quality, and is set with a wax seal that is affixed by hand

15 Vin du Languedoc DOMAINE de gragnos CINSAULT GRENACHE IGP Pays d Oc 2012 A rosé wine in all the splendor of its aromatic expression. Matthieu DUBERNET, Winemaker & Cellar Master Domaine de Gragnos, the Spirit of A Terroir The Domaine de Gragnos is like the terroir that produces it: aromatic, powerful, fresh. A Pays d Oc rosé wine that deliberately moves away from the conventions to propose a different style. A blend of the Cinsault and Grenache grape varieties, it is the fruit of a patient process of winemaking that is in full keeping with French traditional expertise. This fine wine is enhanced by a bottle that, like the precious showcase that it is, bears the wax seal of the Domaine de Gragnos. The bottle thus pays tribute to the elegance and freshness of a wine of the finest quality

16 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS The Art of WineMaking The Château de Gragnos adheres to the long French tradition of the art of winemaking. This culture and expertise are jealously guarded and passed on from generation to generation of Cellar Masters

17 CHÂTEAU DE GRAGNOS The Art of WineMaking Each wine is unique, patiently constructed, like a work of art, by the expert attention of an authentic master craftsman. The Culture of the Master Craftsman A Unique Expertise 32 The Château de Gragnos cultivates the expertise of the independent winegrower, passed from generation to generation over several centuries. This is characterized by a sensitive and humble approach that is above all attentive to the needs of the land. The spirit of a master craftsman who carries out each gesture with the precision and patience required by all great works of art. The Château s Cellar Master, Matthieu Dubernet, aims to enhance the work of nature so as to reveal the personality behind each vintage. Going beyond the mere technical aspect, this involves the application of a humanist philosophy to produce what can be definitively described as the art of winemaking. Matthieu Dubernet Lawrie Brook Winemaker and Cellar Master of the Château de Gragnos, Matthieu Dubernet presides over the destiny of its wines and seeks the full expression of its terroir. A man of the land with a passionate interest in winemaking and heir to a cellar master s skills passed on from father to son, he favors vinification in which technical expertise serves to assist the natural expression of the vines and of the terroir. This represents a new vision of winemaking in which technical knowledge is used to enhance, but not to transform, the work of nature. In collaboration with Lawrie Brook, Cellarman and Assistant Cellar Master, Matthieu Dubernet conceives and blends the wines of the Château de Gragnos to achieve the perfect expression of its ancestral expertise, of its unique terroir and of its inimitable style. 33

18

19 Château de Gragnos - Route de Villespassans Saint-Chinian - France