Château du Grand Caumont — located in the heart of the Corbières — has existed in some form since Roman times (when it was called Villa Manzanetto) and nearly as long as wine has been cultivated in this beautiful region. The name “Grand Caumont” was derived from “Capus Monti,” the garrigue overlooking the property which is Latin for “head of the hill.” Grand Caumont is now one of the largest estates in the appellation, covering an area of nearly 1,000 hectares. Once owned by French King Charles le Chauve in the 9th century, the Château has been owned by the Rigal family since the turn of the 20th century when Louis Rigal purchased the estate in 1906. Today, Laurence Rigal — the family’s third generation — runs the property, overseeing 105 hectares of vines planted to Grenache Blanc and Vermentino for the whites and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan for the rosés and reds. The estate is currently working toward HVE Level 3 certification.

Château du Grand Caumont’s Cuvée Spéciale, blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, pours a deep purple in the glass. Dark red and black fruits coalesce with hints of garrigue, dried flowers and a touch of tapenade. The palate exemplifies the prototypical Corbières rouge: rich and deep with lush, dark fruits (black raspberry, blackberry and plum) accented with dried herbs and floral spice and supported by ultra-soft tannins and a delicate acidity. This wine is supple and sensuous from the start, all the way to its long, complex finish. This red will pair wonderfully with Provençal herb-crusted rack of pork, wild rabbit stew or Prime Rib of beef.