Château Cesseras, Minervois La Livinière 2014

Brothers Jean-Yves and Pierre-André are the 6th generation of Ournacs to produce wines at Château Cesseras. Like other growers in the area, they have progressively replanted their vineyards over the last 15 years, replacing many traditional varieties with Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. The vines are grown on clay-chalk soils and part of the property qualifies for the Minervois Appellation where Syrah and Carignan are planted.

Winemaking has been in the blood of the Ournac family since the mid-19th century, and today its estate covers 65 hectares, though only 15ha of those are in Minervois La Livinière. The region earned appellation status in 1999 and Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Carignan are the main varieties planted. The terraced vineyards that define Minervois La Livinière cover a multitude of soil types including limestone, flint, schist and sandstone, although potentially even more important is the altitude at which they are planted. The vines sit at between 400m and 500m altitude, and so the fruit enjoys a longer and gentler ripening than grapes in lower-lying areas. The resulting wines are often blessed with an appealing freshness as a result of the slower ripening. 

"Rich yet elegant, with vigour, spiciness and intriguing aromas of fruit and flint. Peppery, rich dark berries, plums, floral hints and cherry brandy come together on a charming palate, with liquorice, black olive, fig, fennel and eucalyptus. Showing real brightness and vivacity, and plenty of southern garrigue character". Decanter July 2014