Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles - Les Chausmes 2023
Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles is located in Montpeyroux, in the heart of Languedoc, in an area where the reliefs, limestone soils, and Mediterranean influences give rise to wines with character. Founded by Matthieu Rollin and Nicolas Seffusatti, the estate quickly distinguished itself through an artisanal, demanding approach deeply attached to the expression of the terroirs. The work carried out in the vineyard is based on soil observation, respect for natural balances, and a constant search for accuracy in ripeness. In this hillside landscape, each plot has its own rhythm, exposure, and microclimate, allowing the creation of nuanced and precise wines. Les Chausmes 2023 fully embodies this philosophy, with the ambition to reveal the uniqueness of the village of Montpeyroux. This micro-cuvée of only 4000 bottles highlights a very attentive blending know-how, conceived as a sensitive reading of the place. It thus embodies a Languedoc red that is at once identity-driven, confidential, and deeply rooted in its terroir.
The Les Chausmes 2023 cuvée is dominated by Carignan, a historic grape variety of Languedoc, capable of producing wines of great depth when coming from beautiful terroirs and worked with precision. The grapes come from parcels scattered over a multitude of microclimates around Montpeyroux, each bringing a specific profile to the final balance. Hand-harvested, they are vinified separately to preserve the personality of each origin before blending. This method allows the estate to build the cuvée tailor-made, seeking complementarity between intensity, freshness, structure, and finesse. Carignan here brings its spicy framework, notes of black fruits, Mediterranean energy, and a tension that avoids any heaviness. Les Chausmes 2023 does not seek to demonstrate power but rather the balance between the raw expression of the terroir and the precision of the human gesture. This iconic cuvée of the estate shows how listening to nature and blending expertise can give birth to a great wine from the South.
On tasting, Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles Les Chausmes 2023 presents a deep, bright red robe with dark reflections. The nose may evoke black cherry, blackberry, fresh plum, violet, licorice, pepper, garrigue herbs, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, the wine is dense yet balanced, with a savory body, fine tannins, and freshness that extends the structure. Carignan brings a particular tension, a spicy energy, and a sensation of depth that give the wine much relief. The finish lingers on black fruits, spices, garrigue, and a slight mineral note, in a style both Mediterranean and precise. This red will ideally accompany a grilled rib steak, thyme-roasted lamb, a tagine with mild spices, confit pork shoulder, roasted vegetables, or generous Mediterranean cuisine. It can be enjoyed now after aeration but will gain harmony after a few years in the cellar.
Grape varieties: Majority Carignan
