Château Jouclary, Cabardès

 

Château Jouclary is situated about 10 km north of the ancient walled city of Carcassone.  The Cabardès is a terroir on the stony slopes of the Montagne Noire, where there is a harmonious balance between the east and west.  The climatic influences of the Mediterranean sun on one side and the fresher Altantic winds on the other side stamp their mark on the ripening of the grapes.  It is here that both Merlot and Cabernet (Atlantic), and Syrah and Grenache (Mediterranean) grow alongside each other.  Careful blending and ageing of the wines allows the vigneron to obtain the best possible balance between fruit and structure, softness and complexity, and richness and elegance.

Aragon

The landscape in this area is simply stunning from stony sun-drenched hills covered with Mediterranean plants to the rich green pastures on the higher slopes of the Montagne Noire, where charming hilltop villages pepper the countryside.  The picturesque village of Aragon is only minutes away from Château Jouclary.

 

Pascal Gianesini is the current vigneron in this family-run 60 hectare vineyard, and when we visited him earlier in the year we were even more impressed by his stunning wines than on our first visit last year!  In the current market they represent fantastic value for wines that are ready to drink now, yet with great individuality and the potential to age.

 

 

                 Pascal Gianesini

We have chosen a selection of our three favourite reds :

Château Jouclary Cuvée Tradition 2005                                               6 bottles                                                £5.50 AC Cabardès                                                                                                                                                                       This is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Syrah and 25% Grenache.  It is medium/deep in colour with a fabulous nose of cherries, leather and herbs.  On the palate it is full of rich fruit, with hints of cassis, tobacco and cedar, and it finishes on a minerally note with good length. Of the three wines this is the most impressive for value for money. It tastes much more expensive!

Château Jouclary 2005 Elevé en Fût 2005                                            3 bottles                                               £6.50 AC Cabardès                                                                                                                                                                       This is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Syrah and 25% Grenache, which is aged in old oak barrels for 12 months.  A deeper colour leads into a suppler, more concentrated wine with blackberry flavours and subtle hints of oak. It finishes with a hint of liquorice. It is so fruity that it is lovely to drink now, but it will age well over the next couple of years.

Château Jouclary Cuvée Guilhaume de Jouclary 2005                        3 bottles                                               £8.50 AC Cabardès                                                                                                                                                                   The blend this time is 45% Merlot, 45% Syrah and 10% Grenache, which is then aged in new oak barrels. A much deeper colour, this has a subtle oaky nose which leads into a rich, concentrated palate of supple, silky cassis and raspberry fruit. There are soft, ripe tannins and a hint of liquorice at the finish, and the overall impression is of finesse and elegance. Also lovely now, but will keep for five years. The Rolls Royce of the three wines…… 

Mixed Case Price : £78.00

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