Carthagènes
Liqueur wine
A squeak and a characteristic pop broke the silence in the kitchen of the château, slumbering to the sound of the regular tick-tock of the clock. It is late morning yet the full brunt of the sun is already felt. The postman huffs and puffs his way up the hill. You only need to move the lace curtain a little for him to appear in full view. An ice cube clinks in a crystal glass. The amber-coloured liqueur flows gracefully, lifting the tiny iceberg to the surface, where it gently floats. The cat stretches and trots off across the tiled floor. The door opens and the glass is offered: "Hello mister postman. Any news?" And this is how Carthagène was enjoyed many years ago, in Languedoc.
A local tradition and ideal as an aperitif, on ice or with dessert. Also well worth trying: melon with Carthagène.

Carthagène
Liqueur wine
Red
Blend : Grenache, Syrah.
Vinification : one litre of 96° "eau-de-vie" brandy is added to fresh grape juice to stop the fermentation process.
Maturation : is left all winter on lees in oak barrels, where the clarification process takes care of itself. It is then decanted and left to age in bottles.
Tasting characteristics : ruby-red colour. An expressive nose dominated by hints of Morello cherries and candied fruit macerated in brandy. Unctuous on the palate. Hints of cherries in eau-de-vie and candied fruit prevail.
Food and wine pairing : perfect with sweet and sour food, melon, foie gras and onion compote, duck breast cooked with cherries, blue-veined cheese and chocolate desserts.
Serving temperature : 10°C / 12°C.
Optimum maturity : 10/15 years.
Serving temperature : 10°C / 12°C.
Optimum maturity : 10/15 years.

Carthagène
Sweet wines
White
Blend : Marsanne, Grenache Blanc.
Vinification : one litre of 96° "eau-de-vie" brandy is added to fresh grape juice to stop the fermentation process.
Maturation : is left all winter on lees in oak barrels, where the clarification process takes care of itself. It is then decanted and left to age in bottles.
Tasting characteristics : yellow or amber-coloured. The nose is intensely fresh, dominated by notes of honey, dried fruit and wax. Unctuous and full on the palate with notes of grape, fig, peach and prune stones.
Food and wine pairing : magnificent with foie gras and Roquefort cheese. Also well worth trying with Asian food.
Serving temperature : 10°C / 12°C.
Optimum maturity : 10/15 years.
Serving temperature : 10°C / 12°C.
Optimum maturity : 10/15 years.