Kar Magna

Soil

Once called KAR MAGNA, meaning ‘great rock’, the village of Caramany is set on an impressive rocky outcrop overlooking the Agly valley in the northern part of Roussillon. Its vines grow at over 250 metres above sea level on gneiss and granite sand soils, offering deliciously characterful, supple wines. Another noteworthy feature is the village’s bell tower, built in the mid-19th century by local residents and listed as an historic building, which has an unusual architectural style.

Grape varieties

Carignan, Syrah, Grenache noir.

Production method

Selected vineyards are harvested by hand and the grapes are brought to the winery in small containers to avoid crushing them. The Carignan is kept as whole bunches as are two thirds of the Syrah before undergoing carbonic maceration for 2 weeks. The remaining Grenache and Syrah are fermented using long, traditional maceration with regular pumping over

Ageing

After tank ageing, the wine is bottled in the spring following the harvest to fully preserve aromatic typicity.

Description

The deep garnet hue reveals dark purple highlights. The aromatic complexity of the nose revolves around notes of blackberry, cassis and violet as well as liquorice, with a mineral touch rounding off the profile. The palate is fresh and elegant and offers up the hallmark silky tannins of Caramany soils. A long finish ends on notes of black fruits and mild spices.

Storing

Drinking well from now but can be laid down for 4 to 5 years.

Serving suggestion

Perfect with roast quail, lamb tagine and herb-flavoured pork chops, it will blow you away with lentils served with bacon and black pudding, veal in a cream and morel sauce, stuffed mushrooms and of course mature cheeses.

Serving temperature

Serve at between 14°C and 16°C