Original bottle illustration — Bacchus Global
AOP Cabardès Rouge
DOMAINE DE CAZABANClassique 2020
At the meeting point of two French climates, this Cabardès red brings together the dark-fruited warmth of the Mediterranean and the structured freshness of the Atlantic in a single glass — a blend only this small corner of Languedoc, at the foot of the Montagne Noire, is permitted to make.
- Wine type
- Dry red wine
- Grape
- Syrah 50%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Merlot 20%
- Appellation
- AOP Cabardès
- Origin
- Languedoc, France
- Drinking window
- 2024–2030
- Recommended temperature
- 16–17°C
- Alcohol
- 14.5% vol
- Bottle size
- 750 ml
About the Wine
Domaine de Cazaban farms 22 hectares near Carcassonne, at the foot of the Montagne Noire, spread across three distinct terroirs ranging from clay-limestone plains to limestone-schist hillsides. At the estate level, these vineyards have been farmed organically since 2010 and biodynamically since 2013.
This cuvée carries the Domaine de Cazaban name itself, blending Syrah with Cabernet Franc and Merlot to satisfy Cabardès' distinctive requirement that both Mediterranean and Atlantic grape families each account for at least 40% of the wine.
Taste profile
In the glass
CLASSIQUE 2020
Scale1–5
BG wine structure estimate
Comparative profile within the Bacchus Global wine range.
Intense aromas of ripe black fruit — cherry, blueberry and plum — reflecting the concentrated character of the sun-filled 2020 vintage; Guide Hachette 2023 also noted more unusual notes of candied fruit, soy and game.
A complex, tension-filled texture with an ample, expansive mouthfeel, resolving into a harmonious, lingering finish with evident aging potential.
Garnet to carmine in color, with a violet rim.
Before it reaches the glass
Temperature
16–17°C; decanting for about 30 minutes is recommended.
Timing
Drinking window 2024–2030.
Glassware
A universal or Bordeaux-style glass with a wide bowl, to carry both its Mediterranean and Atlantic aromatic sides.
At the table
This wine's dual Mediterranean-Atlantic character gives it range across cuisines built on umami, gentle spice and roasted or braised meats.
Its ripe dark fruit and structured tannins work best with dishes that bring their own richness or savory depth, while dishes built on sharp chili heat tend to compete with the tannin rather than complement it.
Japanese
- Yakitori with tare sauce
- Teriyaki-glazed wagyu
- Grilled shiitake and mushroom dishes
Why it worksAs an editorial pairing suggestion, the wine's own soy and game-like notes, observed by Guide Hachette in the 2020 vintage, may pair naturally with soy-glazed, umami-forward Japanese preparations.
Thai
- Massaman curry (beef or lamb)
- Gaprao neua (stir-fried beef with basil)
- Mildly seasoned Isaan-style grilled meat
Why it worksAs an exploratory pairing suggestion, rich, slow-cooked or grilled meats with moderate spice may complement the wine's ripe fruit and tannin, while sharper chili-forward dishes such as green curry tend to clash with its structure.
Western
- Roast lamb with thyme and mustard crust
- Tian provençal
- Aged Comté or fresh goat cheese
Why it worksDrawing on the producer's own pairing recommendations, the fat and herb crust of roast lamb meets the wine's tannin and dark fruit, while aged cheese matches its concentrated fruit character.
From cellar to bottle
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes are moved to tank without crushing, using gravity flow; fermentation relies on indigenous yeasts, without pigeage or remontage, with maceration kept below 24°C for four to five weeks.
Product detail
The wine is aged in a conical vat before moving to Burgundy barrels, then lightly filtered and bottled with minimal sulphur at 14.5% ABV in 750 ml bottles.
Origin & Terroir
Cabardès sits where Atlantic and Mediterranean climates meet, with roughly 700mm of annual rainfall — about twice that of neighboring Minervois — allowing both Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties to ripen within the same vineyards.
Official producer website→Recognition
Guide Hachette des Vins
The 2023 edition of Guide Hachette des Vins featured a tasting note on this sun-drenched 2020 vintage, highlighting its concentrated fruit, savory depth and ample, expansive structure.
Trade information
Contact Bacchus Global for product documentation, availability and trade enquiries.
