In the glass
Aroma: red and black fruit, spice, undergrowth, tobacco
Palate: dark berry, warm spice, fine grain tannin, balanced
Grand cuvée of Pennautier in AOC Cabardes; an Atlantic-Mediterranean Cabernet-Merlot-Syrah-Grenache blend with elegant full-bodied palate, red and black fruit, undergrowth and tobacco.
What it pairs with
-
Cassoulet de Castelnaudary
L'Esprit pairs with the local Cabardes Cassoulet classic. -
Roast leg of lamb
The wine's structure and warm spice meet herb-roasted lamb. -
Aged Comte cheese
Hard-cheese nuttiness contrasts the wine's tobacco and undergrowth.
History
L'Esprit de Pennautier is the grand cuvée of Chateau de Pennautier in the Cabardes AOC, blending Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot) with Mediterranean Syrah and Grenache. The Lorgeril family estate.
- 1995 — First vintage of L'Esprit de Pennautier in current form
- 1999 — Cabardes granted full AOC status
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau de Pennautier
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache
- Classification
- AOC Cabardes
- Oak
- 12-14 months in French oak barriques
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 24-38 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1995
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about L'Esprit de Pennautier
What does Pennautier L'Esprit taste like?
Red and black fruit, spice, undergrowth and tobacco on the nose; dark berry, warm spice, fine-grain tannin and a balanced finish on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a long finish.
When should I drink Pennautier L'Esprit?
Drink between 4 and 12 years from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 60-90 minutes of decanting; the wine reaches its peak at 7-10 years.
What grapes are in L'Esprit de Pennautier?
The Cabardes signature: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and Merlot (Atlantic) with Syrah and Grenache (Mediterranean). 32,000 bottles per recent vintage.
What food pairs with Pennautier L'Esprit?
Cassoulet de Castelnaudary is the canonical pairing; the Cabardes wine matches the Cabardes cassoulet. Roast leg of lamb and aged Comte are equally strong matches.