Castelmaure : N°3 de Castelmaure 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the N°3 de Castelmaure 2023

Tasting notes

Color
The color reveals an intense hue enhanced by brilliant violet highlights.

Nose
Powerful and remarkably complex, the nose reveals intense aromas of ripe black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, mingled with notes of crushed red fruits. With aeration, subtle touches of spice, pepper, licorice and garrigue unfold, harmoniously complemented by fine nuances of cocoa and vanilla and a minerality reminiscent of warm stone and schist.

Palate
From the first sip, the palate proves generous and displays remarkable natural volume. Its elegant structure rests on supple, melted and perfectly polished tannins. The balance between the brightness of the fruit and the delicacy of the oak is masterful, stretching into a long, persistent finish marked by spicy and mineral notes.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with refined red meats such as tournedos Rossini, game dishes in sauce such as lièvre à la royale, or spicy dishes. It will also elevate a board of characterful aged cheeses such as Munster or Brie.

Service and storage

Endowed with significant aging potential, this N°3 de Castelmaure 2023 can be cellared until around 2038. For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, taking care to decant it approximately 4 hours before serving to release its full aromatic complexity.

The powerful, mineral expression of a Corbières wine

The estate

Founded in 1921 in the heart of the Languedoc, the Castelmaure cooperative winery has established itself as an essential quality benchmark in its region. Bringing together around sixty members, it cultivates a vineyard of approximately 450 hectares. Historically committed to excellence while preserving its traditions, the cooperative has succeeded in showcasing its terroir through rigorous parcel selection and an innovative quality-focused compensation system. Today, Castelmaure's future is guided by Marc Labatut, president since 2021, and Antoine Robert, its managing director.

The vineyard

Nestled in the Hautes Corbières, the vineyard spans a complex geological mosaic where limestone to the south meets schist to the north. Swept by a constant Mediterranean wind that keeps the berries healthy and concentrates their aromas, the vines—including very old, century-old goblet-trained vines—naturally produce low yields. The entire estate is harvested exclusively by hand, and a quarter of the plots are certified organic or in conversion to organic farming.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes, hand-harvested in small crates, receive meticulous attention. The N°3 de Castelmaure 2023 is crafted through cold pre-fermentation maceration. The Carignan and Syrah undergo whole-bunch carbonic maceration, while the Grenache is destemmed and vinified in the traditional way with regular pumping-over. The wine is then aged for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels (25% new oak), with careful lees work to perfect the integration of the oak.

Grape varieties

40% Syrah, 35% Grenache Noir, 25% Carignan.