Château La Clotte Cazalis
Cazalis de LCC stands out for its subtle balance between power and freshness, a hallmark of the great wines of Barsac. This unique character allows it to pair beautifully with refined dishes—foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts—as well as bolder flavors from Asian or spicy cuisine.
Crafted with meticulous care and true to the values of the Lacoste family, this sweet wine embodies the very essence of Sauternes, offering an authentic expression of a unique terroir and ancestral expertise.
History
Château La Clotte-Cazalis, nestled in the heart of Barsac, has been a family-owned estate since 1779. Its history is closely intertwined with that of the Sauternes region, where the confluence of the Garonne and Ciron rivers creates autumn mists that encourage the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which imparts opulence and aromatic complexity to the wines.
Over the centuries, the château has preserved its winemaking heritage while embracing modern and ecological practices. Certified organic, it combines respect for tradition with a commitment to sustainable viticulture. Today, Marie-Pierre Lacoste-Duchesne, an agricultural engineer and oenologist specializing in sweet wines, continues this family legacy with passion and precision.
The Vineyard
Spanning 5 hectares, the vineyard of Château La Clotte-Cazalis is rooted in gravel and clay-limestone soil, ideal for cultivating the emblematic grape varieties of the appellation. With a planting density of 7,000 vines per hectare, this setup encourages excellent grape concentration.
The vines, averaging 70 years old, are predominantly composed of Sémillon (95%), with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc (5%) adding freshness and vibrancy. The estate is dedicated to an ecological and sustainable approach, ensuring grapes of exceptional quality.
Winemaking & Aging
Each year, the grapes are harvested by hand through successive selections, in order to pick only the berries affected by the precious noble rot. This demanding method, requiring up to eight passes through the rows, ensures optimal ripeness of the fruit.
Once harvested, the grapes undergo parcel-based selection before pneumatic pressing, ensuring a gentle extraction of the juice. After cold settling, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and French oak barrels, maintained at 20°C to preserve the aromatic purity of the must.
The ageing process, lasting 18 months, takes place in barrels, with 25% new oak renewed each year. This maturation allows the wine to refine its texture and develop a rich, complex aromatic palette.
Wine Character
Cazalis de LCC embodies all the elegance and finesse of the Barsac terroir. Visually, its robe is a luminous gold with amber highlights. The nose reveals a captivating bouquet where notes of candied citrus, dried apricot, and honey mingle with spicy and floral nuances.
On the palate, the attack is smooth, marked by a beautiful natural acidity that gives the wine remarkable freshness despite its concentration. The structure is full and rich, while retaining great elegance. The finish is long, with lingering aromas of exotic fruits and caramelized citrus zest.
