Why it matters
The producer
Laurent Miquel is an eighth generation winemaker from the family domaine at Château Cazal Viel in St Chinian. The range covers rosé, red and white wines, with bottles carrying Pays d'Oc and VdP d'Oc designations.
Cinsault and Syrah appear in the rosé wines. The reds include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while the whites include Chardonnay and Viognier. Laurent Miquel also became the first French winemaker to plant Albariño in France in over 400 years. The estate's phrase is direct: “Old world wines for a new world.”
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
St Chinian is the home of Château Cazal Viel. The range carries both Pays d'Oc and VdP d'Oc designations, geographic categories that appear directly on the labels of the wines.
This gives the portfolio several label addresses within the Languedoc. Rosé, red and white wines sit beside one another, with the grape variety often named clearly in the bottle title.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Solas Pinot Noir uses five to seven days of cold pre fermentation maceration before fermentation. This technique keeps the fruit in contact with the must at a low temperature, drawing out fresh aromas and flavours before alcohol develops.
Twenty percent of the wine ages in first and second use oak barrels for up to six months. Oak ageing can add spice and a broader texture to Pinot Noir.
Wines to know
The range in view
The rosé range includes Alaina Rosé, Solas Rosé, Cinsault Syrah Rosé, Vendanges Nocturnes Rosé and Jeu Floral Rosé. Alaina Rosé has a light body and a quick finish, while Vendanges Nocturnes Rosé carries balanced acidity.
The red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah, Syrah Grenache and Solas Pinot Noir. The whites include Côte 228 Pech Clamensou Chardonnay, Chardonnay Viognier, Solas Chardonnay and Père & Fils Chardonnay.