In the Cahors vineyard, the path leading to the Domaine de Chantelle first runs between paths of fruit trees before reaching the banks of the Lot. The Cahors wine produced on the property is part of the tradition and typicity of the appellation.
A bucolic charm
Established on the banks of the Lot, the Domaine de Chantelle has 36 hectares of vines. Located in a cove of the river, its geographical location had in the past favored an economy based on inland waterway transport. The waterway allowed flat-bottomed barges to transport Cahors wine to the port of Bordeaux. This historic location gives the Domaine de Chantelle a bucolic charm enhanced by the beautifully restored architecture of the family property. The imprint of the past is maintained even in the cellar where Jean-Claude Brunet, the winemaker, keeps on display a whole collection of objects and tools from the wine tradition.
A spirit of remembrance
Three generations of winemakers have contributed to the gradual growth of Domaine de Chantelle. When the Brunet family acquired the estate, fruit tree cultivation coexisted with vineyards. The farm also generated income from fishing, as evidenced by the fishponds they found there. This legacy of tradition still permeates the atmosphere of the place today. At Domaine de Chantelle, the spirit of an authentic Lot region still influences the winemaking methods. The vines themselves are spread across small plots throughout the commune of Caillac. Each plot bears a typical name, such as "Bout de la rivière" (End of the River) or "Champ de Gleye" (Gleye Field). At the estate, Jean-Claude and Lydie Brunet have developed an 800 m² winery, complemented by a long aging room for oak barrels. The Cahors wine they produce follows a tradition of oak aging, perfectly suited to the character of the Malbec grape.
A traditional Cahors
The Domaine de Chantelle wine range is simple and precise. It includes a 100% Malbec rosé as well as a selection of reds crafted in various styles. The Tradition cuvée is typically expressive of red fruit and candied notes imparted by the blend of Malbec and Merlot. With the Révélation cuvée , grapes ripened on the third terrace express a more powerful nose, accompanied by more pronounced tannins tempered by cold maceration. Meanwhile, the Passion cuvée , made from old vines also situated on the third terrace , combines its notes of black fruit and spice with the toasty effects of aging in new oak barrels. The latest addition to the range, A1638, takes its name from the cadastral parcel where the finest vines flourish. This promising cuvée showcases 100% Malbec, vinified directly and then aged in barrels. Elegantly presented in a wooden case and sealed with wax, the A1638 vintage promises to be a reconciliation in the purest tradition of the power of aromas and the softness of tannins.
