The Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles, founded in 2015 in Montpeyroux, at the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac appellation, has quickly established itself as a major player in Languedoc viticulture. Its philosophy, "Perfectus in Statera" (perfection in balance), guides all its practices, from vine to bottle, with a profound respect for the natural environment.
The history of the estate is one of friendship and a shared vision between Matthieu Rollin and Nicolas Seffusatti. After a decade of experience importing fine French wines to China, they returned to Languedoc to realize their dream of producing "great wines" that reflect the richness of the local terroirs. This international experience gave them a unique perspective on global quality standards, influencing their quest for exceptional wines.
The vineyard, just over 7 hectares, is strategically fragmented across various plots, exploiting the diversity of the Mediterranean terroirs at the foot of the Larzac. The clay-limestone soils, and sometimes blue marl, impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. The local microclimate, characterized by cool summer nights and sunny days, promotes slow and optimal grape ripening, essential for aromatic complexity. The estate cultivates a wide range of grape varieties, including Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre for reds, and Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Terret, Carignan Blanc, Colombard for whites. The strategic use of various appellations, including "Vin de France" for flagship cuvées, demonstrates a stylistic freedom aimed at intrinsic quality rather than regulatory constraints.
Viticulture and winemaking at Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles are marked by a strong environmental commitment. The aging techniques are meticulous: a long maturation of 12 to 36 months in barrels from the Chassin cooperage (supplier to great Burgundy estates) and refinement in concrete eggs are favored to refine tannins and preserve fruit purity. The cellar itself is designed according to Feng Shui principles, with natural thermal inertia, emphasizing the holistic approach of the estate.
Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles offers a diverse range of cuvées, each reflecting the uniqueness of its terroir and the estate's philosophy of balance. Among the white wines, Combarels Blanc (IGP Pays d'Oc) is a blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Colombard. It is characterized by its freshness, vivacity, and aromas of yellow apple, apricot, elderflower, and nutmeg. Nimalaya (Vin de France) is a single varietal, 100% Carignan from old vines, offering power and elegance with notes of blackberries, blueberries, sandalwood, and rosemary. Combarels de l'Ombre (Terrasses du Larzac AOC), a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, is very fruity, with a refreshing acidity and aromas of cherries, red berries, lavender, and black pepper. Its counterpart, Combarels à la Lumière (Terrasses du Larzac AOC), composed of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, is described as full-bodied, fruity, and sun-drenched.
Les Chausmes (Languedoc Montpeyroux AOC), a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, is a medium-bodied wine with velvety tannins and notes of rosemary, cherries, and eucalyptus. Clas Mani (Terrasses du Larzac AOC / Vin de France), blending Syrah, Carignan, and Grenache, is an elegant and balanced wine with aromas of sandalwood, strawberries, and lavender.
The estate also excels with its Grenaches under the Vin de France appellation. Les Célis is a silky wine of great complexity, with notes of potpourri, rose petals, and raspberries. Les Homs presents a racy acidity and velvety tannins, with aromas of rose petals and strawberry. Finally, Les Crouzets (Vin de France) is another impressive Grenache cuvée that approaches the greatest wines of the Southern Rhône Valley.
