Cazes
Domaine Cazes is situated in Rivesaltes in the Roussillon. With 220 hectares of...
vines planted, Domaine Cazes is the largest certified Organic and Biodynamic estate in France. It was founded in 1895 by Michel Cazes and the wines are still made by the fourth generation of winemakers, headed up by Emmanuel Cazes. The family make a range of interesting dry wines alongside the regional specialities, Vin Doux Naturels. They took the decision to move to organic and biodynamic viticulture in 1997. Based on their view that the natural environment needs natural preparation, they plough the soils and use only natural ingredients as treatments, arranging their work according to the lunar calendar.
Vineyards
Situated in the sunniest area of France, the vineyards give very ripe grapes. Since farming biodynamically, the vineyards are healthier and the vines are stronger, with longer roots. In addition, there is more freshness and minerality in the wines, important in such a warm region. The name 'Le Canon du Maréchal' refers to the famous general, Maréchal Joffre, who was born in Rivesaltes and sold his vineyards to the Cazes family in 1927. The Canon is both a reference to his military background and a reference to the Roussillon saying 'boire un canon' ('to have a drink!').
Vintage Information
2012 was a very small vintage. A cold rainy winter and a warm spring gave a glimpse of a superb vintage, but a too dry, even scorching summer, held down volume. The weather remained dry and hot from early July, aside from a storm on the 6th of August. The northern Tramontana wind prevented disease development, bringing cooler conditions throughout September. It also contributed to lowering the harvest quantity through concentration.
Vinification
The 2012 is a blend of Viognier and two different varieties of Muscat: Muscat d'Alexandrie which gives weight and fruity flavours, and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, to give finesse. The grapes were harvested in the cooler temperatures at night to ensure the natural freshness was retained. There were 24 hours of skin contact to draw out the aromas and flavour, before a fairly cool fermentation in stainless steel at 18°C.
Tasting Notes
Pale with green tints. Fresh white stone fruits and apricot on the nose with touches of white flowers, jasmine and honey. Dry, medium bodied, with flavours of ripe peach, citrus and tropical fruits.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Grape varieties | 35% Moscato/Muscat 35% Muscat d`Alexandria 30% Viognier |
| Region | Rivesaltes, Roussillon |
| Winemaker | Emmanuel Cazes |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12.5% |
| Acidity | 3.37g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 0.3g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.31 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.