Château de Jouclary

Village:
Conque Sur Orbiel
Appellation:
60ha
Cabardès
IGP D'Oc
Growers:
Robert Gianesini
Pascal Gianesini
Website:
https://www.chateau-jouclary.com/
Downloadable PDF

The Cabardès appellation is located on the southern slopes of the Montagne Noir, the most southern outcropping of the Massif Central and just outside the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. One of France’s newest A.O.C.’s, it was established in 1998 and has fewer than 20 estate bottled producers. Its unique climatic situation with influences from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea give rise to the appellation’s motto “Vent d’Est, Vent d”Ouest. In fact, the A.O.C. laws mandate that a minimum of 40% of the varieties must be “atlantique”; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc and 40% “mediterranean”; Syrah or Grenache; also a maximum of 20% of Cot or Fer Servadou may be used.

Chateau Jouclary Cabardès "Cuvee Tradition"

The Chateau de Jouclary vineyard is planted with four of the sanctioned varieties; Syrah, Grenache Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the largest component and supply the backbone of the wine, while the old vine grenache and syrah from the stony upper hillside contribute ripe flavors and warmth on the palate. The wine undergoes an extended fermentation process in lined cement vats. It then rests in vats for 12 months and receives a number of rackings before it is bottled.

Chateau Jouclary Cabardès "Rosé"

The Rosé is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Grenache and 10% Cinsault and 10%Syrah. The grapes are harvested early in the morning to avoid oxidation. Once in the vat house,they are gently pressed and then fermented at low temperatures. The wine has a pale salmon color and aromatic with scents of red currant, citrus and exotic fruit. The flavors of fresh fruit are supported by a good structure and acidity that allows the wine to remain buoyant and fresh throughout the palate.

Domaine Jouclary Vin de Pays D'Oc Sauvignon Blanc

The Vin de Pays D’Oc Sauvignon Blanc and the Vin de Pays d'Oc Chardonnay are grown on the lower elevations of the vineyard. Harvesting is done in the cool of the early morning to avoid oxidation. Vinification of both wines is similar, their fermentations are done at cool temperatures with some skin contact before the grapes are pressed. The wine rests in contact with its lees for several months and bottling is done in the early spring. These techniques produce wines that are aromatic, intense and fresh.

Domaine Jouclary Vin de Pays D'Oc Chardonnay

The Vin de Pays D’Oc Sauvignon Blanc and the Vin de Pays d'Oc Chardonnay are grown on the lower elevations of the vineyard. Harvesting is done in the cool of the early morning to avoid oxidation. Vinification of both wines is similar, their fermentations are done at cool temperatures with some skin contact before the grapes are pressed. The wine rests in contact with its lees for several months and bottling is done in the early spring. These techniques produce wines that are aromatic, intense and fresh.

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

Vineyards of antiquity – if any viticultural region of France has claim to being the oldest, the Greek vineyards around Agde that date to the 5th century BC and the discovery of pre-historic fossils of grapevines in caves outside of Montpellier give the Languedoc quite the hand to play. Geographically, this expansive area reaches from Limoux to Costières de Nîmes linking the appellations of Southwest France with those of the Rhone Valley. It is sandwiched between the Massif Central mountains, the Pyrénées mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.  Not surprisingly, the varied areas of the Languedoc have strikingly different terroirs with vineyards pushing up against mountain ranges with vines as high as 500 meters, vines planted along the Mediterranean coastal plains and seemingly endless scrubland in between. In addition to a range of terroirs that span geological periods from the primary to the quaternary, and include virtually every soil type found in France, there are significant differences in rainfall, humidity, sun-hours and wind that shape the typicity of the individual vineyards...

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Known for producing massive quantities of “vin ordinaire” in the mid nineteenth century, the Languedoc vineyards, like so many others throughout France, were wiped out by phylloxera by the end of the century. Despite the efforts of the government and the growers to form coops in the first half of the 20th century, the vineyards were slow to come back, and it wasn’t until the 1970’s and 1980’s that the Languedoc renaissance came about. Now, it is certainly a breeding ground for alternative minded vintners; the spirit of independence coming probably from the Occitan roots of the region and the fact that the area lagged behind other wine producing regions in receiving recognition for its wines.

It is a region that with few exceptions has significantly less rain fall than other wine producing regions in France, making it easier to farm organically. Furthermore, the Languedoc vintners have turned to both bio-dynamic farming and “natural” winemaking in surprising numbers. These choices have been encouraged by the comradery and solidarity that is evident among the local vintners of each village.