Chateau de Pennautier ★ 4.4
Cabardes flagship estate at Pennautier just north of Carcassonne, run by the Lorgeril family since 1620, working the Atlantic-meets-Mediterranean Cabardes AOC blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah) on the Black Mountain foothills.
Tasting: Cellar tour, gardens visit and tasting at Pennautier; on-site restaurant
Signature wines: pennautier-classique-rouge, pennautier-terroirs-d-altitude, pennautier-collection-privee
Tip: Terroirs d'Altitude is the prestige Cabardes that shows the Atlantic-Mediterranean blend clearly; the chateau and gardens are open for tour year-round.