Château Candastre
no
170
Château Candastre
Braucol (Fer Servadou), Duras, Syrah
Gaillac in south France, wines from this region that are on the up
France, Gaillac, Château Candastre, AOC, 2015

Introduction
This Château is based just north of the town of Gaillac, in the centre of the appellation with 100 ha., and approx. 50 kilometres north east from the town of Toulouse. Since a few years it falls under Vinovalie in Brens, just south of the town of Gaillac, a large regional wine producer. The Chateau has still its own award winning range of wines and e.g. its own storage facilities onsite, whilst making as well use of the services from Vinovalie. Vinovalie is 4 Wineries joining forces in 2006, representing 470 wine growers, spread over 3 AOC’s; Gaillac, Cahors and Fronton.

It is a very early wine making region, some centuries BC and ever since it has had a history of ups and downs. From early regulations, way before the current AOC system, early branding of the Gaillac wines (‘Le Vin du Coq’), serious setbacks in harvests, to only being bought for blending for years, which affected its reputation, as well as being hit by phylloxera in 1879. The tide changed in 1938 with an AOC for the whites, followed by the reds in 1970.
Year:
2015
Approx:
£ 7.00
Best Served:
16-17 °C
Vol:
14.0 %
Review Date:
18 . 10 . 2017
Origin:
France, Gaillac
Wine specifics
Ready to drink and can keep for a little while. Balanced, dark fruity, hints of spice, smooth. Serving red meats, grills, game, pasta, bleu cheeses. Obtained in France; Gaillac may be available in the UK. Cork. Grape: Braucol (Fer Servadou), Duras, Syrah; at times blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Prunelard, Merlot.
Insights:
Gaillac is really working on its promotion and future. An early slogan was: ‘Because future wines always have a past’. They also count on an important partner: ‘Confrérie de la Dive Bouteille’ (Fellowship of the Divine Bottle). Created in 1952, it initiates influential people (prefects, politicians, athletes, actors, etc.) throughout the year, who are willing to promote Gaillac wine. People such as Paco Rabanne and actress Marion Cotillard are members of this organisation. Their masses take place at Gaillac’s Abbey Saint-Michel. (‘Le Vin du Coq’ – in early days they only used fertilizers from stock doves excrement, giving its name.)
Review Date:
18 . 10 . 2017