Domaine de l'Ostal : Grand Vin 2017

Characteristics and tasting tips for Domaine de l'Ostal Grand Vin 2017

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance unveils a deep purple hue with violet highlights, bearing witness to beautiful concentration.

Nose

The nose opens with powerful aromas of ripe black fruit, particularly blackberry and black cherry. Floral and herbaceous notes of lavender and thyme bring a Mediterranean dimension, while touches of black licorice add complexity. Barrel aging shows through roasted aromas of coffee, caramel and dark chocolate. Upon aeration, smoky and spicy nuances are progressively revealed.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a full and precise structure, with a remarkable silky texture. Flavors of concentrated black fruit dominate the palate, accompanied by cracked black pepper and earthy notes. Aromas of lavender, thyme and licorice persist, while smoky and spicy touches enrich the ensemble. Fine and elegant tannins perfectly balance the richness of the fruit. The finish lingers with impressions of ripe red fruit, pepper and chocolate.

Food and wine pairings

This Domaine de l'Ostal 2017 ideally accompanies grilled or roasted red meats, smoked brisket, aged hard cheeses as well as charcuterie. It also pairs with dark chocolate preparations.

Service and cellaring

The Domaine de l'Ostal 2017 can be enjoyed from now until around 2028.

A Minervois La Livinière wine with silky tannins and a remarkable texture

The property

Created in 2002 by Jean-Michel Cazes, owner of the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Domaine de l'Ostal stretches over 150 hectares in the Languedoc, including 60 hectares of vines. Located at the foot of the Montagne Noire in the village of La Livinière, the cradle of the finest Minervois vineyards, the estate takes its name from the Occitan "ostal" meaning house and family. After major vineyard restructuring work led by Daniel Llose, the first wines were bottled in 2004. Since October 2016, Delphine Glangetas has been the Technical Director. The estate has been High Environmental Value certified since the 2018 vintage and produces vegan wines.

The vineyard

The Domaine de l'Ostal vines benefit from an exceptional terroir within the Minervois La Livinière appellation, one of the most demanding in the Languedoc. Marl soils resting on shallow clay-sandstone and limestone substrates favor excellent drainage. The full southern exposure ensures optimal sunshine, while fresh nocturnal breezes descending from the Montagne Noire preserve the aromatic freshness and acidity of the grapes. The vineyard is planted mainly with Syrah, complemented by Grenache Noir, Carignan and Mourvèdre.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage began with a dry winter followed by early budburst in mid-March, about fifteen days ahead of average. Despite some frosts in late April, the Minervois La Livinière appellation was spared. Flowering took place ten days early under good conditions. The dry start to the summer caused moderate water stress, fortunately compensated by rain in late June. The dry and sunny summer conditions favored optimal ripening. The harvest took place between September 18 and October 5, about a week earlier than in 2016, with grapes presenting complete phenolic maturity and seductive aromatic potential.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking begins with fermentation at high temperature, reaching approximately 28°C during the first four days. Frequent pump-overs and rack-and-returns are carried out, followed by a prolonged maceration of 20 to 24 days to extract concentration, flesh and a velvety texture. Aging takes place for twelve months in French oak barrels.

Blend

Syrah (80%), Grenache Noir (10%), Carignan (10%)