Chateau Raissac

Wines from the Languedoc, South of France

Situated on the outskirts of the small town of Beziers in the heart of the Languedoc region of Southern France is Chateau Raissac. Since 1837 six generations of winemakers have passionately carried on the tradition of the Viennet family.

Today it is the turn of Gustave and Marie Viennet to be custodians of the 86 hectares of vines. The vineyards have a great diversity of soils ranging from the plain composed of alluvium to the limestone clay hills, rich in marine fossils, which give the wines an individual expression.

Chateau Raissac cultivates 10 different grape varietals, including Pinot Noir, Viognier, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The resultant wines, which come from carefully selected parcels with low yields, are vinified and aged in a unique cellar dug out of the limestone cliffs in the 17th century and represent the best cuvees of the Estate.

The Wines

	Domaine Raissac Chardonnay Vermentino 30% Chardonnay 70% Vermentino. Skin maceration after crushing and de stemming. Fermentation at low temperatures. One month ‘sur lies’ with batonnage. Pale yellow colour with silver hints. Nose delicate and pure with aromas of citrus fruits. Lively mouth with mineral and grapefruit notes. Refreshing finish.
	Domaine Raissac Pinot Noir Merlot 30% Pinot Noir 70% Merlot. Fermentation at 23 degrees to preserve the fruit flavours. Short maceration to extract supple tannins. Garnet-red colour. Mouth watering nose of red berries. Round and crisp on the palate with a nice spicy finish.
	Le Parc Chardonnay 100% Chardonnay. Skin maceration after crushing and de-stemming. Fermentation at low temperatures.One month ’sur lies’ with batonage. Shiny golden yellow colour. Complex and generous, the nose evokes white flowers. The mouth is smooth and elegant with a touch of pear and exotic fruits. Subtle fresh almond notes give a remarkable and persistent finish.
	Le Cres Viognier 100% Viognier. Skin maceration after crushing and de stemming. Fermentation at low temperatures. One month ‘sur lies’ with batonnage. Crystalline pale yellow colour with silver glints. Delicate aromas of apricots and wild flowers. The palate is smooth and sensual where passion fruits, mild spices and grilled almond flavours complement each other to perfection.
	Le Puech Chardonnay Viognier Muscat 50% Chardonnay, 25% Viognier and 25% Muscat. Parcels vinified separately before blending. Skin maceration after crushing and de stemming. Fermentation at low temperatures. Aged 6 months in barrique with batonnage. Clear and brilliant golden yellow colour. An intense nose of acacia flowers with a light toastiness. The palate has flavours of pear and honey melting together harmoniously to a fresh and spicy finish.
	Les Lys Rose Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Short maceration gives a pink colour with salmon glints. Intense delicate nose of raspberry and redcurrants. Refreshing wild strawberry flavours. Balanced with a gentle fresh finish.
	Les Lions Pinot Noir 100% Pinot Noir. Short maceration at low temperatures for 3 days before fermentation. The skins are pressed and then the juice reintroduced – there is no skin contact during fermentation. A nice red purple colour with terracotta glints. A subtle and complex nose of morello cherries and wild black berries. Well balanced, the palate is round and fresh with fruit flavours and a spicy finish.
	Les Carabenas Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot. Fermentation at 23 degrees to preserve the fruit flavours and short maceration to extract supple tannins. An intense garnet red colour and a fine and subtle nose of chocolate and red berries. The well balanced palate is generous and sensual with a spicy and fruity finish.
	Cuvee Gustave Fayet 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot. Grapes crushed and de stemmed and juice fermented at 26 degrees. Remontage and delestage occurred regularly. 8 weeks of maceration to extract maximum colour and aged in French oak for 12 months. Deep purple colour with touches of dark blue. Rich and powerful, the bouquet offers aromas of black cherry, vanilla and toasted bread. The palate if rich and generous with gentle tannins and notes of chocolate, liquorice and Virginia tobacco.
	Terra Incognita 50% Grenache 50% Syrah. This exceptional cuvee is owed to the discovery of an almost forgotten piece of land where the garrigue scents the air and the sun caresses the landscape. Thus the vines, half Syrah and half Grenache grow in unison with the elements. The wine has a deep bouquet of violets, spices and candied fruits with a bite of strawberries and blackcurrant. Tastes of red fruits melt together to produce a silky texture and a liquorice finish.