Smithfield Wine introduces Domaine Castan wines to the UK market

Aug. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- Following a number of discussions and tastings Smithfield Wine have reached agreement with André Castan of Domaine Castan to distribute three of his wines in the UK – Savignus Sauvignon, Savignus Grenache and the Domaine Castan Terroir du lias.
André Castan has been one of the pioneers of the qualitative wine culture in Languedoc, as well as an untiring promoter of the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlée) classification for the wines of the terroir of Cazouls-les-Béziers. He is dedicated to the production of quality wines in harmony with the terroir.
André and Monique Castan chose the schedule of conditions  imposed by VITEALYS to define the quality of their wines. This schedule of conditions was elaborated starting from many principles of biological agriculture and on the directives established by FARRE.
For Andre and Monique Castan, this schedule of conditions corresponds completely to their objectives of reasoned agriculture for which they had adopted many years before. The adoption of this schedule of conditions was thus carried out in the continuity of the method of production already undertaken in the past.
This schedule of conditions makes it possible to offer total transparency on the principles of viniculture and of the vine adopted in this domaine.
With 37 hectares of land spread across the whole community of Cazouls-les-Béziers, Domaine Castan grows most grape varieties that constitute the notoriety of the greatest wines. These include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon - Grenaches and Carignans of the hillsides are traditional type of vines of this specific soil, bringing their robustness and strength to the AOC. Viognier and Syrah are originally grape varieties from the region Côtes du Rhône, but have found here a way to develop their aromatic potential in the clay and limestone soil of the Domaine Castan. The Merlot, grown on the "terres rouges" (red soil) reveals all his power and fullness.
The "Muscat petit grain" was until the 18th century a major grape variety on the soil of Cazouls-les-Béziers. Forgotten for two centuries, it has been re-introduced on the Domaine Castan. It produces a sweet dessert which will be available from Smithfield Wine in November
The Wines
Domaine Castan Sauvignon Blanc 2010
This is a delightful Sauvignon Blanc, with all the fruit of a good new world Sauvignon but with the subtlety that you would expect from the old world. It has an intense floral nose full of passion fruit and citrus. These aromas carry through to the palate and give a wonderful crisp feel. Great as an aperitif but suits fresh seafood and delicate white fish dishes.
Domaine Castan Grenache 2010
In Smithfield Wine’s  opinion, a grossly under-valued grape variety. This is a delightful wine that has been produced from low yield vines to maintain the richness and taste of the fruit. It has a nose rich in cherry aromas and this fruit follows through to the palate. A great example of the quality wines now being produced in the South of France by good family vignerons.Great with spicy foods and cured meats.
Domaine Castan Terroir du Lias  AOC Coteaux de Languedoc
Again – a quality wine from a good producer. This one has an intense and pronounced nose of black fruits with spicy notes. It is a blend of Syrah and Grenache that spends twelve months in oak barrels to add a wonderful complexity to the fruit and balanced tannins. There is an intriguing subtle touch of liquorice right at the end on the palate. A great wine for those autumn and winter casseroles and stronger meats.
Recommended retail prices are £10.05 for the Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache, £12.15 for the Terroir du Lias.
The wines are available now for both the ontrade and offtrade. For further information please call Lynn Wroblewski on 0161 273 6070.

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