Lorgeril Chateau de Pennautier Cabardes Rouge 2019
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Wilfred
Wong
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Chateau de Pennautier marries the rich charm of Mediterranean grapes, Syrah and Grenache, with the fresh elegance of Aquitaine varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, made possible by a rare conjunction of climate, altitude and terroir offered by Nature. Since 1620, far from the influence of passing fashions, this family domaine has fervently nurtured a quest for balance, respectful of traditions.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Chateau de Pennautier is a lovely example of a vin rouge from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of savory spices, rustic, earthy notes, and black fruits. Enjoy it with simple homemade beef stew. (Tasted: November 24, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Though the Cabardès AOC, approved for reds and rosés, was only established in 1999, winemaking and viticulture stretch back to Roman times. Situated north of Carcassonne in a natural amphitheater on the south-facing slopes of the Montagne Noire, its 550 hectares of hillside vines occupy a unique climatological spot “between the East Wind and the West,” as its official website says.
The East Wind (the Marin) brings soft, humid air from the Atlantic coast, and in it thrive the Bordelaise varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The West Wind (the Cers) brings hot, dry air from the Languedoc plain, ripening the sun-loving southern French varieties, Grenache and Syrah. AOC Cabardès wines must be a minimum 40% each of East Wind and West Wind varieties. The result are wines unique in complexity and character—firm tannins and black fruit from the East, with savory herbs and sunny berry fruit from the West.