Domaine Lou Cayla, IGP Aude, 2012
65% Syrah, 35% Carignan
14%
Background
Domaine Lou Cayla is a tiny, family-run vineyard near the historic Minervois village of Mailhac.
Juliet Bruce Jones, a British Master of Wine, and Simon Ingman tend 2 hectares of Syrah and Carignan vines using no artificial pesticides or sprays. Their first vintage was 2011.
How the wine was made
The grapes were hand picked and destemmed before traditional fermentation in a 1000 litre open tank with pumping over twice a day. Cultured yeast was used but that was the only addition to the wine, apart from minimal sulphur dioxide during maturation and pre-bottling. 5% of the Syrah was oaked to add a touch of complexity without domating the fruitiness. The wine was bottled in July 2013.
What it tastes like
Deep ruby/pink in colour with an enticing nose of black cherries, herbs and white pepper. It is full bodied with satisfying flavours of black, peppery fruit balanced by smooth tannins. A rich, accessible wine to enjoy with barbecued food or charcuterie. Drink now – 2015.
1 bottle: 7€
6 bottles: 40€