MAISON CASTAGNÉ

Cahors, Southwest

Maison Castagné is a 6th generation family-run farm in the Côtes du Lot, located in Martel, which is to the north of Cahors in Southwest France. The Castagné family has been growing walnuts and other local crops in the region since the 19th century. The family estate even used to have grapevines planted, but they had long since been abandoned and mostly forgotten about in recent memory. Of course, there is a long winegrowing tradition in this region, and brothers Adrien and Romain had long held a dream to bring back grapes and winemaking to the family farm. After taking over the estate in 2017, they made this dream a reality by planting 3.5ha Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chenin, Chardonnay, and Roussanne in and isolated plot next to the forest. These vines came into full production for the 2020 harvest. They have never seen chemicals, and the entire estate (grapes and non-grapes) has been certified organic through Ecocert since 2021.

The Maison Castagné range includes a red blend of Côt (malbec) and Syrah, single variety Pinot Noir and Syrah cuvées, as well as a pétillant naturel called Brute de Castagné The wines see around 2-4g/l of SO2 depending on the cuvée. They are moderate in alcohol, are endlessly delicious, and will satisfy lovers of natural wine and the less naturally inclined happy at the same table.