July 2016 Imported Wine: 2014 Chateau des Karantes ‘La Bergerie’ Rose, Languedoc, France
Fine Wine Source Wine Club
July 2016
Chateau des Karantes: Chateau de Karantes is a magnificent vineyard situated in the Languedoc-Rousillon of Southern France. The domaine is in the heart of a small valley located two minutes away from the Mediterranean between the seaside and resort towns of Narbonne Plage and St. Pierre sur Mer, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea with the Pyrenee Mountains visible in the distance. The estate, nestled in the Mediterranean Garrigue, is made up of 190 hectares, 44 of which are currently planted under vine. It is named after a former Bishop of Carcassone, owner of the estate hundreds of years ago. The majority of the vines are composed of the traditional rouge varietals of La Clape (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Cinsault/Carignan) and the blanc varietals (Bourboulenc/Grenache Blanc/Marsanne/Vermentino/Roussanne/Viognier/Terret Blanc) make up a smaller portion, with the Terret Blanc and Carignan vines dating back to 1927 & 1928. The vineyard extends along the limestone, clay, and rocky slopes which form the “Massif” or ridge of La Clape. The location allows the production of quality wines because of its exceptional South-East/East exposure, its proximity to the sea, and its Mediterranean climate. A local connection to Chateau des Karantes is the Walter Kynsz Family, owners of the estate and Michigan based wine merchants Eagle Eye Brands.
About: The grapes for this wonderful Rose were hand harvested and pressed immediately after harvest. Prior to pressing, a rigorous sorting is done in the vineyards to choose only the best grapes. The entire vinification is done under nitrogen or carbonic gas protection.
Varietal: 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasting Notes: Bright acidity and complexity of fruit aromas on the nose: raspberries, fresh strawberries, ripe peaches and citrus. On the palate the wine is supple and silky, with a long finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect for HOT Summer drinking, this rose pairs well with light salads, pasta, or rice dishes; especially, with seafood, raw or lightly cooked shellfish, grilled fish, or creamy cheeses.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: A wine with great zippy acidity and nice hints of tart raspberry. Great on a hot summer’s day, sunshine in a glass! Best served with cold salad or gazpacho.