Domaine de l'Ostal : Grand Vin 2021

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for the 2021 Grand Vin from Domaine de l'Ostal

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance reveals a purple hue enhanced by subtle violet reflections.

Nose
The bouquet opens with spicy notes accompanied by candied cherry aromas. The wood, perfectly integrated, brings complexity and depth to the aromatic ensemble.

Palate
On the palate, the wine seduces with its supple and rounded tannins. The palate evolves with beautiful freshness and elegant tension, revealing red fruit notes. The structure shows refinement, leading to a fresh and flavorful finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine ideally accompanies ravioli with porcini mushrooms and foie gras, roasted rack of lamb, or an assortment of cheeses.

A red wine from Languedoc with silky tannins and remarkable freshness

The estate

Created in 2002 by Jean-Michel Cazes, owner of Château Lynch-Bages, Domaine de l'Ostal spans 150 hectares at the foot of the Montagne Noire, in the village of La Livinière, in the heart of Minervois. Today managed by Jean-Michel and his son Jean-Charles Cazes, the estate comprises 60 hectares of vineyards and 25 hectares of olive groves. The name "ostal," which in Occitan designates both the house and the family group, perfectly embodies this family wine adventure in Languedoc.

The vineyard

The Grand Vin comes from hillside vines benefiting from consistent southern exposure, located in the village of La Livinière at the foot of the Montagne Noire. The terroir is characterized by a mosaic of shallow marly surfaces resting on limestone sandstone. This cuvée represents a rigorous selection since only 30% of the estate's production is retained for its elaboration. The Minervois La Livinière appellation is one of the most demanding in Languedoc.

The vintage

The year 2021 begins with a mild winter. Strong spring frosts fortunately spare La Livinière. The summer proves dry and sunny with very low disease pressure, only slight late powdery mildew being observed. September rains and coolness guide harvest decisions. The harvest is carried out at perfect maturity. The vintage proves excellent for the estate, particularly for white and rosé wines which stand out for their aromatic character and balance.

Vinification and aging

The fermentation of the 2021 Grand Vin lasts approximately one week, followed by maceration of 20 to 23 days. Regular pump-overs are performed and extraction is adapted to each vat. The aging of this Minervois La Livinière wine takes place for 12 months in second-use barrels.

Grape varieties

Syrah (70%), Carignan (15%), Grenache (10%), and Mourvèdre (5%).