Château de Cazeneuve’s “Cuvée Les Calcaires” 2022 hails from the Pic-Saint-Loup appellation, a highly regarded subregion of the Languedoc in southern France. This red wine, as suggested by the data provided, is likely crafted from a blend dominated by Syrah, with additional Grenache and Cinsault lending complexity and regional expressiveness, though such details can occasionally vary from vintage to vintage. The style of Pic-Saint-Loup reds typically balances freshness with depth—expect expressive dark fruit aromas, subtle savoury notes reminiscent of garrigue, and a lively yet composed structure. The influence of limestone-rich soils (as signified by the name “Les Calcaires”) is often apparent in the wine’s bright acidity and mineral line, contributing finesse and length.
Pic-Saint-Loup sits at the northern edge of the Languedoc, enjoying a cooler microclimate mitigated by the nearby Cévennes hills. This area benefits from significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps maintain aromatic intensity and freshness in the grapes while retaining ample ripeness from the Mediterranean sun. Soils are typically stony, with a mix of limestone and clay, providing ideal conditions for characterful reds. The history of winemaking in the region stretches back centuries, with Pic-Saint-Loup earning an excellent reputation for its nuanced, age-worthy blends that are often considered amongst the finest of the Languedoc.
For food pairings, wines from Pic-Saint-Loup are remarkably versatile. Their combination of freshness, aromatic complexity, and gentle tannins is particularly suited to grilled or roasted lamb, Mediterranean stews, and dishes featuring herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Regional classics like cassoulet and daube de boeuf would also make excellent accompaniments, as would hard sheep’s milk cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty.
To best appreciate “Cuvée Les Calcaires” 2022, serve it at 16-18°C after a brief decant, which will help the wine’s aromas unfold and the palate to soften. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy, or cellared a few years for greater complexity and integration.
