In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackberry, violet, garrigue, cedar

Palate: dark fruit, graphite, thyme, fine-grained tannin

Syrah-dominant cuvée from Cazeneuve's clay-limestone scree soils. Ample and harmonious; rewards 2-5 years of cellaring before optimal drinking.

What it pairs with

  • Slow-roasted leg of lamb
    Firm tannins cut the lamb's fat; garrigue echoes Provençal seasoning.
  • Beef daube
    Slow-braised beef finds harmony with the wine's cedar and graphite depth.
  • Roquefort
    Blue cheese funk meets the wine's structure and graphite finish.

History

Le Roc des Mates comes from the clay-limestone scree soils on the Cazeneuve estate; the wine shows ampleness, harmony, and long persistence on the palate. Designed for 2-5 years of cellaring.

  1. 2000 — First vintage of Le Roc des Mates released

Facts

Producer
Château de Cazeneuve
Grapes
Syrah (70%), Grenache, Mourvèdre
Classification
AOC Pic Saint-Loup
Oak
Aged 12-18 months in French oak barrels, partially used
ABV
14.5%
Price
€22-30 at retail
Drinking window
3-12 from vintage
First vintage
2000
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Le Roc des Mates

What does Le Roc des Mates taste like?

Blackberry, violet, garrigue and cedar on the nose; dark fruit, graphite, thyme and fine-grained tannin on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish.

When should I drink Le Roc des Mates?

Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage; the producer recommends waiting 2-5 years before optimal opening. Decant 60-90 minutes for younger bottles.

What food pairs with Le Roc des Mates?

Slow-roasted leg of lamb is the canonical pairing; beef daube and Roquefort also work well.

What grapes are in Le Roc des Mates?

70% Syrah dominant, with Grenache and Mourvèdre completing the blend, from Cazeneuve's clay-limestone scree soils.

Tags

← Back to wines in Languedoc