Lionel Gauby : Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 by Lionel Gauby

Tasting

Colour

The colour reveals a deep ruby red hue of moderate intensity.

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant and plum, accompanied by spicy and mineral notes. The aromatic expression reflects fine phenolic ripeness while preserving the freshness characteristic of the vintage.

Palate

On the palate, the wine displays a firm yet perfectly integrated tannic structure, the result of whole-bunch vinification. The fruit intensity is balanced by a refreshing acidity, while the long, saline finish reflects the mineral richness of the limestone soils of Calce. The whole expresses concentration and elegance, with a remarkable balance between power and finesse.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red wine is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, notably a rib steak with rosemary or a leg of lamb with herbs. It also pairs very well with game dishes such as wild boar or venison, as well as with mature cheeses. Lovers of vegetarian cuisine will enjoy it with a wild mushroom risotto or gratinéed aubergines.

Serving and Cellaring

Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 can be enjoyed now, while also offering excellent ageing potential. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C. Gentle decanting will allow its aromatic complexity to express itself fully.

The Elegance and Richness of an Exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon

The Estate

The son of Gérard Gauby, a pioneering figure who transformed the region by producing quality dry wines as early as 1985, Lionel Gauby joined the family estate in 2000. Since 2008, he has been developing his own project, Eau de Souche, a confidential line of micro-cuvées crafted according to a minimalist philosophy. Working with exceptional parcels of old vines, Lionel Gauby pursues a rigorous approach of experimentation while respecting the biodynamic principles that have made his family renowned in the village of Calce.

The Vineyard

This Vin de France comes from micro-parcels planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and cultivated according to the principles of biodynamic farming. The vines are rooted in complex soils made up of limestone and schist. This geological diversity, combined with a Mediterranean climate tempered by maritime influence and the Tramontane wind, allows Cabernet Sauvignon to reach optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving freshness and balance.

The Vintage

The 2020 vintage began with an exceptional spring and early budburst, followed by high summer temperatures and a marked water deficit. These conditions created challenges of uneven ripening in some wine regions. However, precise vineyard management and rigorous selection resulted in grapes of remarkable concentration, combining purity of fruit, elegant tension and pleasant freshness despite the natural richness of the berries.

Winemaking and Ageing

Eau de Souche Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is vinified using a minimalist approach that favours the expression of terroir. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts using whole bunches, followed by a prolonged maceration of twelve to fifteen days. Ageing takes place in foudres and demi-muids, formats favoured for their oxygenative transmission without imparting oaky aromas. The wine is bottled by gravity, without fining or filtration.

Grape Variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon