Lionel Gauby : Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 by Lionel Gauby

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red hue of moderate intensity.

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant and plum, accompanied by spicy and mineral notes. The aromatic expression reflects beautiful phenolic ripeness while preserving the characteristic freshness of the vintage.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds a firm yet perfectly integrated tannic structure, the result of whole-bunch vinification. The fruit intensity is balanced by refreshing acidity, while the long, saline finish reflects the mineral richness of the limestone soils of Calce. The overall impression conveys concentration and elegance, with a remarkable balance between power and finesse.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine is an ideal companion for grilled or roasted red meats, particularly a rib steak with rosemary or a herb-crusted leg of lamb. It also pairs beautifully with game preparations such as wild boar or venison, as well as aged cheeses. Vegetarian food lovers will enjoy it with a wild mushroom risotto or a gratin of eggplant.

Serving and storage

The Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 can be enjoyed now while also possessing excellent aging potential. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C. A brief decanting will allow its aromatic complexity to fully express itself.

An exceptional Mediterranean Cabernet Sauvignon

The estate

Lionel Gauby embodies the new generation of Roussillon winemakers. The son of Gérard Gauby, a pioneering figure who transformed the region by producing quality dry wines from 1985 onwards, Lionel joined the family estate in 2000. Since 2008, he has been developing his own Eau de Souche project, a confidential line of micro-cuvées crafted according to a minimalist philosophy. Working with exceptional plots of old vines, Lionel Gauby pursues a rigorous approach to experimentation while upholding the biodynamic principles that have earned his family renown in the village of Calce.

The vineyard

This Vin de France is produced from micro-plots planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated according to biodynamic farming principles. The vines are rooted in complex soils composed of limestone and schist, characteristic of the Calce region. This geological diversity, combined with a Mediterranean climate tempered by maritime influence and the Tramontane wind, allows the Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving freshness and balance.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage began with an exceptional spring featuring early budbreak, followed by high summer temperatures and a significant water deficit. These conditions created challenges of uneven ripening in some wine-growing regions. However, precise vineyard management and rigorous selection yielded grapes of remarkable concentration, combining fruit purity, elegant tension and pleasant freshness despite the natural richness of the berries.

Winemaking and aging

Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is vinified using a minimalist approach that favors terroir expression. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts using whole bunches, followed by an extended maceration of twelve to fifteen days. Aging takes place in foudres and demi-muids, formats chosen for their oxidative exchange without imparting woody aromas. The wine is bottled by gravity, without filtration or fining.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon