Pinot Noir Grande Courtade
Deeply connected to the land of southwestern France, the Fabre family have grown grapes and made wines in Languedoc since 1605. The family business today includes five estates and is managed by Louis Fabre, who is joined by his daughters and niece: Clémence, Paule and Jeanne. The five estates – Grande Courtade, Tour de Rieux, Château Coulon, Château de Luc, and Château Fabre Gasparets – allow Louis to work with a broad range of terroirs and grape varieties. A history building with cellars that date back to the 1300’s, Château de Luc is the family’s base of operations and where they live full time. Across all estates the vines are farmed according to organic principles.
More often than not, wines labeled as Pays d’Oc are made from the ubiquitous southern French blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The Grande Courtade Pinot Noir is a departure from this norm. Famously persnickety and difficult to grow, Pinot Noir is usually grown in cooler areas of France like Burgundy. When grown in southern France where the climate is noticeably warmer, specific microclimates are important. For this wine, Pinot Noir grapes were harvested from vines planted on a hillside that is cooled by sea mists and winds. Once in the winery the grapes underwent cold maceration before fermentation in temperature controlled tanks for 10 days. This was followed by 6 months élevage in neutral oak barrels.
Pale garnet red in color, on the nose this wine displays classic earthy Pinot Noir aromas of fresh strawberries, morello cherries, clove, and forest floor. The palate is light bodied with woodsy red fruit flavors and light tannins. On the finish there’s a touch of baking spice and vanilla from barrel aging.
