Chateau Canet Minervois La Chapelle has a complex nose, full of dark, ripe, blackberry fruit that takes time to unfurl. Rich and expressive, full bodied yet fresh. This old vine Grenache has generous, fleshy fruit, balancing ripe tannins and a finish that is full of bright berry and violet flavours. There is also just a touch of a leathery character which will no doubt develop in bottle. Very drinkable now, this is a substantial wine that will easily keep for another 6-8 years. Give it a couple of hours in a decanter to get the most from it.
- Country: France
- Region: Languedoc
- Subregion: Minervois
- Vintage: 2017
- Colour: Red
- Grape Variety: Grenache/Garnacha
- ABV: 14.5%
- Bottle Size: 75cl
- Closure: Natural cork
- Style: Concentrated and fruit-driven
- Vegetarian: Yes (not certified)
- Organic: Yes (certified)
- Drink With: Salmis of game
The name La Chapelle refers to the vineyard where the 12th century chapel of Château Canet once stood. Today, it is home to the oldest vines on the estate: a parcel of 70 year old Grenache. In 2009, it was decided that this vineyard's yield of 20 hectolitres to the hectare (instead of the more usual 50hl/ha from younger vineyards) was so low that drastic action was required. However, instead of uprooting the vines, Floris and Victoria believed they could make something special from these grapes and the vineyard was given a second chance to shine. We’re glad that they did!
The grapes were harvested by hand, crushed the old fashioned way (by foot) and the cap was also punched down by foot twice a day during the three week maceration period. Matured entirely in tank, La Chapelle was bottled early to capture its pure, intense fruit.
About the grower
A traditional 19th century wine estate, today Château Canet is recognised as one of the leading domaines of the Minervois region in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon. The 45 hectares of vineyards are complimented with 3 hectares of olive groves and over 65 hectares of farmland and pine forests. With the buildings nestled at its centre the setting of the estate is truly enchanting, having uninterrupted views over the vineyards and olive groves to the Alaric mountains in the distance.
All of the original buildings are still in use, although they have been significantly modernised. The old winery is now fitted with state-of-the-art wine making equipment, allowing the Canet team to blend traditional savoir-faire with modern day techniques. The stables are now used as an ageing cellar where the wines quietly mature until ready to be bottled and enjoyed. The manor house is still a family home, and the original vignerons' lodgings have been converted into charming guest cottages should you wish to stay for a holiday rather than just pop in for a tasting and a quick wander around. Château Canet is certainly perfectly located for a break: it is only about 15 minutes away from the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Cité de Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, and it is surrounded by the "Pays Cathare" with its rich medieval history.
The wines of Château Canet are crafted under the careful guidance of owner Floris Lemstra and oenologist Nathalie Leclercq. They take exceptional care to produce wines that perfectly balance the characters of top quality, ripe fruit with the flavours of the Minervois terroir. As they age, the Château Canet wines develop even greater complexity making it very difficult to put your glass down.
The vineyards of Château Canet are located in the middle of the Balcons de L’Aude in the Minervois region, on clay and limestone soil. The vines benefit from warm, Mediterranean weather and from the interesting climatic conditions caused by the local winds; the cool, northerly Atlantic wind called the Cers and the warm Vent Marin which blows in from the coast. The principal grape variety, covering over half of the vineyard area, is Syrah (Shiraz). 4.5 hectares of the more mineral-rich soils are planted with Chardonnay. The remaining vineyards are planted with Grenache, Merlot, and the regional varieties Marsanne and Bourboulenc which form the basis of Château Canet’s white Minervois.
80% of the domaine falls under the Minervois appellation of the Languedoc-Roussillon, and the remaining vineyards are classified as Vin de Pays d’Oc. The vineyards are managed according to the guidelines of sustainable viticulture, following the brief of Terra Vitis. This helps them to grow great grapes while respecting the environment and maintaining the long term health and sustainability of their vineyards and the surrounding agricultural land.