France – Chateau Camplazens Marselan 2014

Domaine and vineyard

The Chateau Camplazens was acquired by the Close Family in 2001. They were attracted not only by the stunning natural beauty of the domaine but especially by the wines that the domaine used to produce.

Camplazens in located on an the site of an ancient roman settlement on a limestone mountain named La Clape. This area is environmentally protected since 1965 and the only allowed activity is … wine.

Two thousand years ago, when, in 118 BC, the Romans invaded this region, La Clape was an island. Now the mountain is two kilometers far from the sea and the vines are cultivated at an average altitude of 150 meters.

Camplazens is on a table top plateau consisting of Mediterranean red soils with a sandy, silt and clay mix on a limestone base.

The vines of Chateau Camplazens grow in valleys and on slopes surrounded by limestone cliffs, pine forests and wild moorland or Garrigue in which grow an abundance of thyme, rosemary, lavender, juniper and a plethora of wild flowers and spices creating the richly scented aromas that are reproduced in the wines.

The Vineyard currently has 45 Hectares (HA) in 28 separate parcels comprising 25 Hectares (HA) of Syrah, 8 HA Grenache 7 HA of Marselan, 2 HA Carignan and 3 HA of Viognier All the vines are pruned for low yields, typically 30 - 40 Hectoliters per Hectare and, with the exception of the old Carignan, which is harvested by hand, are equipped with 1.8 meter trellising supporting 3 carrier wires and two pairs of foliage retention wires.

The wine

The Chateau Camplazens Marselan 2014 is a 100% Marselan. This grape variety is a hybrid of Cabernet-Sauvignon and Grenache. The vines were planted in 2003 on a parcel exposed to the South, well drained and facing the Mediterranean Sea. The grapes undergo a 2-3 day cold maceration (10-12°) prior to the Alcoholic Fermentation. The process continues with 15-21 days of extended maceration on the lees and then the juice goes into steel tanks for the Malo-Lactic Fermentation.

Tasting Note

Date	22 March 2016
Wine name	MARSELAN	Vintage	2014
Nation	France	Region	Languedoc
AOC-DOC	//	Grape Varieties	100% Marselan
Serving temperature	16-18° C	Alcohol	13
Price (in euro)	9	SO2 (in mg/l)	Nd

Visual Examination		Taste analysis
Limpidity	Limpid	Body	Full
Color	Ruby Red with Purple shades	Balance	Balanced
Consistency	Quite consistent	Soft sensations	Quite Warm – Soft
Effervescence	//	Hard sensations	Quite Tannic
		Flavors intensity	Quite Intense
Olfactory analysis		Flavours	Dark Fruits, Smoky, Barbecue
Aroma intensity	Quite Intense
Complexity	Quite Complex	Finish/Persistence	Quite Persistent
Quality	Fine	Overall evaluations
Aromas	Dark Fruits, Smoky, Barbecue	Development	Ready
	Violets	Harmony	Harmonious

Food and wine pairing

This wine is a great match with red grilled meats, sausages, ribs to recall the aromas of barbecue that are typical of this wine.  Other suggested pairings are: chili con carne and aged cheese.

This wine has been a nice discovery. Never heard before about this grape variety, I couldn’t resist from buying a couple of bottles. And this has given me the chance to taste a new wine and to discover a new domaine. The wine is, simply, different. That ruby purple color, the aromas of dark fruits and smoky are very nice. It becomes a bit acid if served too cold but, should I give an overall judgment, I can affirm that this is a good wine, with a good balance price-quality.

Official website: www.camplazens.com