Domaine de l'Ostal : Grand Vin 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Domaine de l'Ostal Grand Vin 2019

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance is distinguished by a remarkably intense dark red to black hue, revealing a bright and luminous core that attests to the wine's youth and aging potential.

Nose

The nose unfolds a complex and seductive bouquet, opening with aromas of candied black fruits, notably Bigarreau cherry, black cherry, and blackcurrant. These fruity notes are enriched by a delicate touch of black pepper, while barrel aging brings roasted nuances evoking coffee, caramel, and dark chocolate.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals a silky and ample texture, characterized by considerable volume without excessive heaviness. It combines seductive notes of ripe red fruits with essences characteristic of the Languedoc terroir, notably garrigue, lavender, thyme, and sandalwood. The silky and velvety tannins integrate harmoniously into the wine's general structure, supported by a beautiful freshness.

Food and wine pairings

This wine ideally accompanies quality red meats, particularly roast lamb, as well as veal prepared using classic techniques. It also harmonizes with richly garnished pasta dishes and various meat preparations in sauce.

Service and Cellaring

The Domaine de l'Ostal 2019 presents a lovely aging potential that will allow it to evolve positively over the following years, its tannins rounding out and its aromas developing in complexity.

An exceptional Minervois La Livinière at the foot of the Montagne Noire

The estate

Created in 2002 by Jean-Michel Cazes, owner of the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Domaine de l'Ostal stretches over 150 hectares at the foot of the Montagne Noire in the Languedoc, including 60 hectares of vines positioned partly in the very restrictive Minervois La Livinière appellation. Today managed by Jean-Michel Cazes and his son Jean-Charles, the estate embodies a strategic vision combining high-level Bordeaux expertise with the Languedoc terroir. The property distinguishes itself by the complete restructuring of its vineyard upon acquisition, its commitment to quality viticulture, and its ultra-rigorous selection of grapes. The estate was awarded two stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2023 with a Coup de Cœur for the Estibals cuvée.

The vineyard

The Domaine de l'Ostal vineyard benefits from a remarkably privileged geographical position within the Minervois La Livinière appellation, located halfway between Carcassonne and Narbonne. The vines extend at an altitude varying between 120 and 330 meters, creating a landscape of hills and slopes with rugged relief. The terroir is characterized by an alternation of compact limestone and calcareous marl, complemented by stony terraces, sandstone, and clay-limestone soils developed on calcareous sandstone beds. The climate, with a strong Mediterranean component, offers very hot and sunny summers with low rainfall, while the nocturnal freshness induced by cool air flowing from the ridges of the Montagne Noire creates ideal conditions for the accumulation of sugars and complex aromas while preserving essential natural acidity.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in the Languedoc was distinguished by ideal conditions for the accumulation of sugars and complex aromas in the grapes. The hot and dry summer allowed for optimal ripening while maintaining the natural acidity essential to the wine's balance.

Winemaking and aging

For the Domaine de l'Ostal 2019, the grapes undergo a particularly rigorous selection that retains less than a third of the terroir's total production. After the harvest, pressing is carried out on whole bunches, allowing for gentle treatment of the grapes and preserving elements essential to quality. Aging lasts 15 months in French oak barrels, allowing for a progressive integration of wood tannins with the wine's natural tannins and contributing to aromatic development as well as the refinement of the structure.

Grape Varietals

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan