Maison Castel - Merlot Grande Réserve 2023
Domain story
Maison Castel is the story of a great intuition, a brilliant idea rooted in the origins of the CASTEL company, when, from the very beginning, the nine Castel siblings sought to go beyond borders. They believed deeply that it was possible to produce high-quality wines in France and make them accessible to everyone, both at home and worldwide. With this vision, they founded their wine trading company in 1949.
Their ambition at the time? To showcase French terroirs and expertise across the globe. Nearly 70 years later, embodying their vision, Maison Castel shares the world of its wines in all corners of the world.
Historic partnerships with the most demanding local winegrowers, parcel-specific selection within the vineyards, terroir-specialist oenologists, production, and bottling in the heart of winegrowing regions. Maison Castel has chosen authenticity. Every region of France is expressed in these 100% made-in-France cuvées.
Today, these wines assert their character, surprise with their uniqueness, reveal extraordinary personalities, and embody the passion for craftsmanship and excellence.
To uphold this commitment, represent the spirit of French wine, and showcase Castel’s reputation for expertise worldwide, Maison Castel relies on a key strength: its team of technical experts and oenologists attuned to international tastes.
Cédric Jenin and seven other winemakers coordinate the creation, selection, and oversight of Maison Castel wines in collaboration with 20 regional partner oenologists.
IGP Pays d'OC
Location:
Covers the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region, stretching along the Mediterranean coast from the Spanish border to the Rhône delta.
Grape Varieties:
One of the strengths of the IGP Pays d'Oc is its diversity, with over 58 authorized grape varieties.
Includes international grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, alongside native varieties like Grenache, Carignan, Marsanne, and Vermentino.
Styles of Wine:
White Wines: Crisp, aromatic, and often fruit-driven, with varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc standing out.
Rosé Wines: Fresh and vibrant, often made from Grenache, Syrah, or Cinsault.
Red Wines: From light and fruity to full-bodied and complex, featuring Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Unlike AOC wines, IGP Pays d'Oc allows for more freedom in blending grape varieties, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques.
Tasting notes
APPEARANCE
Clarity: clear
Intensity: deep
Colour: ruby
NOSE
Condition: clean
Intensity: medium +
Aroma: Red berries, cherry, and wild strawberry, complemented by intense notes of spices and prunes.
PALATE
Sweetness: dry
Acidity: high
Tanning: high
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: primary & secondary. Red berries, cherry, and wild strawberry, complemented by intense notes of spices and prunes. Toasted and grilled notes.
Finish: medium
CONCLUSIONS
Quality level: very good
Grape variety: 100% Merlot
Service Temperature: Serve at room temperature (16°-18°C)
Ageing potential: Up to 5 years.
Food & Wine Pairings: Red meat with vegetables, duck, poultry, aged cheese or just a bite of dark chocolate.