Cave de Crouseilles

The names

The Madiran AOC is located in the village of the same name, 40 km from Pau, in a terroir dedicated to the cultivation of vines since antiquity. Madiran wines were already renowned in the 11th century, and reached the height of excellence between the 16th and 18th centuries. Henri IV used to serve it to guests at his Château in Pau.

Madiran's king grape variety is Tannat, the appellation's vineyard is completed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. They thrive on the clay-limestone soils and rolled pebbles characteristic of this terroir. The region's climate brings humidity in spring and alternating cool, hot and dry weather in summer. These conditions produce aromatic wines of great intensity.

The AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is in the same geographical area as Madiran, but concerns white grape varieties. It covers 300 hectares featuring regional grape varieties such as Petit Courbu, Arrufiac, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. At this altitude, the vines benefit from warm days and cool nights. The appellation takes its name from the "pacheras", chestnut stems used to support the vines. The Crouseilles winery offers excellent Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines, which have won numerous awards.

The AOC Béarn is made up of three distinct zones stretching from the south of the Gers to the Hautes-Pyrénées, and also including a few communes in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The vineyards were planted centuries ago in this area, but were destroyed during the phylloxera crisis and then completely replanted. The appellation's main grape varieties are Tannat, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Château de Crouseilles

Château de Crouseilles is an ancient seigneury, with the first vines planted on its lands in the 14th century. From 1737, the estate developed and acquired a good reputation thanks to the work of Jean de Dombidau. The estate declined at the end of the 19th century. The Crouseille cooperative bought it in 1979, the building was restored and the winegrowers set about renovating the vineyard.

A new vintage "Château de Crouseilles" sees the light of day in 1986. This is a AOC Madiran wine with a brilliant purple color. The nose is highly aromatic, with a palette of fruity and spicy aromas, enhanced by notes of licorice and vanilla. This is a balanced, powerful wine with a silky mouthfeel, supple tannins and an intense, long finish. The cuvée benefits from long ageing and can be enjoyed quickly, but stored in the cellar for several years, it will always offer a fine tasting moment. A bottle to be reserved for special occasions, it is the perfect accompaniment to meat in sauce, Basque cheese or a dessert combining red fruit and chocolate.