Chateau de Pennautier: A Family Heritage of 400 Years Yet Wines of a New Identity – Terroirs d’Altitude

Chateau de Pennautier: A Family Heritage of 400 Years Yet Wines of a New Identity – Terroirs d’Altitude

Since 1620, Château de Pennautier is at the heart of the history of the Languedoc wines. 12 generations producing exceptional wines. Nicolas de Lorgeril and his wife, Miren de Saint Chamas, have been overseers since 1987.

However, at the center of this new identity stands on the reputation of family heritage with a Château that has elevated its wines and status to those of an icon. Like the family, the estate’s has its roots deep in the western Languedoc where cool Atlantic breeze meet the warmth of the Mediterranean. Truly a charmed place for grape growing and winemaking.

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Lorgeril, Marquis de Pennautier, Terroirs d’Altitude, 2022 Chardonnay IGP Pays D’Oc

Natural elements of terroir are embedded in this wine. The terroir is created in hillside high-altitude vineyards surrounded by aromatic Mediterranean pines, making what they call “Terroirs d’Altitude”. This terroir  creates wines that are aromatic, concentrated, and structured.

This Marquis de Pennautier Chardonnay combines uncomplicated apple and lemon citrus notes with refreshing resinous wood aromas brought from oak aging or perhaps, in a way, from its vineyard surroundings. It evokes the feeling of crispness and calm of a Spring morning in a Mediterranean forest.  The oak aging well integrated, and not overstated as in many wines, uses its internal strength to support the structure, mouthfeel, and melded aromas of the wine.

Wine Pairings: Lightly prepared fish or fowl with a bit of garlic and rosemary.

Suggest retail price: $29

Rating: 88/100 but at this price its value is >90/100.

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The Lorgeril wine business has also grown beyond its historic Château de Pennautier. The Company now owns 6 estates, covering 250 hectares of vines. They represent the most beautiful terroirs of the Languedoc and Roussillon and also include 8 Appellations – Cabardès, Minervois, Minervois-la-Livinière, Saint-Chinian, Faugères, Côtes du Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Languedoc.

Cabardès in its own right is an accredited wine region in Languedoc located just northwest of Carcassonne. The makeup of the red wines of this region, like their terroir, is a blend of Mediterranean and Atlantic grape varieties.

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Lorgeril, L’Esprit de Pennautier 2020 Rouge Cabardès AOP 

This wine leads with its juicy Mediterranean side of 45% Syrah and 15% Grenache followed by a supporting Atlantic chorus of 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Regal red-purple in the glass, the wine’s aroma sings a multiplex medley of black and red fruits, licorice and black olive. The flavors focus on black cherry and savory notes of black tea, smoke and a hint of cedar. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc are most notable in the wines structure from start to finish with pleasant tannins and ending with its smooth finish.

Wine Pairings: Grilled steaks, roasted lamb (my fave), venison or duck.

Suggest retail price: $64

Rating: 94/100 that earns it the right for me to say, I love this wine!

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These wines are available in most domestic markets.

Photo Credits: https://www.mathier.com (Glasses of red and white wine); https://www.lorgeril.wine (Chateau de Pennautier)

More information on Chateau de Pennautier, gardens and tours at: https://www.lorgeril.wine/en/chateau-de-pennautier-and-gardens/