S.C.V. Castelmaure
Corbières (Languedoc)

The Estate
 S.C.V. Castelmaure was founded in the 1920’s and today consists of 65 members, of which 15 bring 85% of the production. The winery is located in the unofficial Corbières cru site of Durban (there are 11 unofficial Cru’s in Corbières), which will become soon an official Cru together with Boutenac and Alaric. The Serre mountain in the south protects the little plateau of Castelmaure from the off weather patterns of the Mediterranean sea.
Patrick de Marien, the president of the cave, and Bernard Pueyo, the director, work in conjunction with Tardieu/Laurent in trying to produce wines of higher quality each year.


Castelmaure


Bernard Pueyo (Director), Patrick de Marien (President) 
and Patrick Frérot (Vineyard manager)


Castelmaure new modern facility

The terrace overlooking the vineyards

The Vineyard 
The AOC Corbières was created in 1985 and measures 23,000 hectares (56,810 acres). The appellation requires a minimum of two grapes in a wine blend.
The co-op farms 350 hectares (868 acres) around the tiny hamlet of Embres et Castelmaure.  The 760 parcels are inspected and the characteristics recorded on computer. Each parcel is supervised individually by a technician who dedicates his time to this task. They have re-learned to prune, plough, check yields, sort, select, with a permanent focus on the respect of the environment. All the grapes are harvested by hand. In the cellar, vats hygiene, temperature control, ultramodern pressing contribute to a better expression of the terroir.
Castelmaure produces 90% red wine of which 80% is A.O.C. Corbières.
The soil is made of schist, limestone, alluvial river wash and argilo-calcaire.

      
Schiste, limestone soil

The Wines



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#F0EE117011RRL
UPC code: 7 84585 00200 9
2006 Corbières Rouge, Grande Cuvée, Castelmaure 6/750 ml
 In the early 1990’s, Castelmaure began experimenting with a Prestige Cuvée of Corbières.  This wine has become known as “Grande Cuvée” and is made with the help of the winemaking team of Tardieu-Laurent. 
Made from 45% Grenache (20 year old), 45% Syrah (20 year old), 10% Carignan (40 year old).
Vinification: destemming, pneumatic press, end of fermentation at 25 degrees C; two racking; aging in tank then in 220 Liter Bordeaux barrels for 10-12 months. Egg fining, slight filtration..
Intense red color with purple hues. Delicious dark fruit aromas combined with toasty and coffee notes. Round and ample in the mouth, and a long finish.
To be enjoyed young; can also be cellared for 7-10 years.

#F0EE117026RRL
UPC code: 7 84585 00200 9
2005 Corbières Rouge, Grande Cuvée, Castelmaure 6/750 ml
 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache. 
Aged in 90% French and 10% American oak barrels for 12 months (1/3 new oak, 1/3 one-year old, 1/3 two year-old)
In the early 1990’s, Castelmaure began experimenting with a Prestige Cuvée of Corbières.  This wine has become known as “Grande Cuvée” and is made with the help of the winemaking team of Tardieu-Laurent. 
Seductive brambly aromas on the nose, juicy and fruity flavors, a good density and structure.

90 pts from Wine Enthusiast (Aug 2009)


"A ripe, juicy style with flavors of raspberry, dark currant and kirsch. Mincemeat and plum pudding notes fill the supple, spicy finish. Drink now through 2011."
- Wine Spectator (July 2008), 88 pts

National Retail Price: $22.99 / bottle


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#F0EE117012RRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00021 0
2007 Corbières Rouge, Col des Vents, Castelmaure 12/750ml
50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Ripe blueberry, cherry and raspberry aromas, spices, black pepper. A good balance and a long, smooth finish. Easy drinking style of wine.


#F0EE117009RRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00021 0
2006 Corbières Rouge, Col des Vents, Castelmaure 12/750ml
50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Ripe blueberry, cherry and raspberry aromas, spices, black pepper. A good balance and a long, smooth finish. Easy drinking style of wine.

"Strikingly-packaged and user-friendly. Aromas of ripe black cherry and mulberry with hints of thyme and rosemary lead to a juicy, satisfying black fruit and herb-filled palate incorporating hints of game and crushed stone. This wine avoids the coarseness or rusticity that plague many wines of its appellation."
- Wine Advocate (#178, Aug. 2008), 87 pts

"Twist a few arms if you must to get hold of some bottles of the Castelmaure Col des Vents 2006, Corbières. This blend of 50 percent carignan, 35 percent grenache and 15 percent syrah is produced by a cooperative that receives consulting from the great Tardieu Laurent winery in the northern Rhone Valley; the attention to detail is evident. The wine is bright, clean and attractive, bursting with scents and flavors of spiced and roasted black currants and blueberries infused with smoke and minerals. It feels a bit untamed, lively and peppery, nestled on dusty briers, brambles and underbrush, a sort of velvety yet prickly Br’er Rabbit of a wine for everyday drinking. This would be a great addition to restaurant wine by the glass programs. Very Good+."
- http://www.biggerthanyourhead.net (Dec. 08)
#F0EE117023RRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00021 0
2005 Corbières Rouge, Col des Vents, Castelmaure 12/750ml
The "Col des Vents" refers to the hills of the Corbières region which are swept by night winds coming off the sea and cooling the vineyards. 
50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Ripe blueberry, cherry and garrigue flavors. A real value, this is a retailers' dream given the quality of the wine and the upscale package.

"Medium-bodied, with plenty of red plum and pepper flavors. The spicy finish features some herbal notes. Drink now." - Wine Spectator (Nov. 30, 2007)

National Retail Price: $12.99 / btl


#F0CC117018RRM
 UPC code: 7 84585 00137 8
2005 Corbières Rouge, Col des Vents, Castelmaure 6/1.5l 
National Retail Price: $22.95 / magnum