Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier.
The château of the Marquis de Pennautier and its vineyards dates back four centuries and is one of the oldest winemaking châteaux in France. In the heart of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Cabardès, it is a short distance from Carcassonne, that storybook cité.
The picturesque vineyards cloak the sun-kissed hillsides of the Black Mountains. They are found between 230 and 360 metres altitude. There are views of the Pyrenees to the south and Massif Central to the north. This terroir consists of chalk and clay.
The Reich de Pennautier family archives date back to 1580 and tell us that Château de Pennautier was constructed in 1620 by Bernard Reich de Pennautier, Treasurer of the States of Languedoc. In 1710, wines from Pennautier were served in Versailles. The château was handed down from generation to generation and, in 1960, the vineyards were replanted with new vine stocks, over reclaimed scrubland and at a higher altitude. Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril are the 10th generation of vintners to inherit Pennautier, which they took over in 1987.
This Petit Marquis de Pennautier 2020 takes advantage of Chardonnay and Sauvignon grapes along with Viognier, of which I am enamoured. This is a wine which works perfectly with light dishes and particularly with white fish. It is delicate on both the nose and the palate. It’s a tapestry of peaches and apricots with hints of blossoms. Lovely when served chilled.