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Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
80% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir
Appellation
AOP Minervois
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Domaine La Rouviole
2020 Caissa
In Stock
A beautifully concentrated Syrah-Grenache Noir blend redolent of Southern France with aromas of black fruit, spice, leathery notes and elegant integrated oak flavors. This beauty is full-bodied, well textured and opulent with a fine, smooth finish. Power, finesse and length are the dominant characteristics of this refined cuvée.
Pairs wonderfully with beef tenderloin or beef bourguignon and chargrilled vegetables.
Wine Description
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
80% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir
Appellation
AOP Minervois
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The certified organic domaine extends over 40 ha, including 25 ha of vines surrounded by herbal scrubland and olive groves. It is located in the heart of the "Petit Causse" region, in one of the few “Crus” of the Languedoc: Cru La Livinière. The small area is located between Carcassonne, Béziers and Narbonne. The domaine is just over the hill from Minerve, an exceptional Cathar site and about forty kilometers from the Mediterranean. The scents of the surrounding scrubland: thyme, lavender, rosemary, almond trees, fig trees, cherry trees, holm oaks, olive trees, all contribute to the aromatic complexity of the wines.
Production Notes
To develop the best fruit and low yields, the vines receive special care: de-budding in May, green harvest if necessary and two manual harvests in September. This results in low yields of 30 hl/ha. Vinification: destemming and traditional vinification separately of both grape varieties. The Syrah is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, of which 50% were new barrels and 25% were second fill. The Grenache is aged in stainless steel tanks to retain the fruity flavors.
Winemaker Notes
Over the past 60 years, Franck Leonor and his family completely renovated La Rouviole, an old domaine in the prized appellation Cru La Livinière, with the vineyards closest to the village of Siran. In a past life, Franck was an English teacher in Bordeaux. He loves to craft Bordeaux-style wines, but with the added benefit of the Mediterranean sun and grape varieties of the Languedoc. This wine is one of Franck’s last vintages, as he retired and sold the domaine in 2022.
Food Pairing Notes
Pairs wonderfully with beef tenderloin or beef bourguignon and chargrilled vegetables.
Other Notes
Ageability: Drink now or keep until 2029. Decant for at least 2 to 3 hours, then serve at 59°F. Caïssa is the legendary Thracian mythological creature, now known as the Goddess of Chess, the favorite pastime of the winemaker.