Operating 60 hectares of vines under the High Environmental Value label, the Domaine des Cassagnoles was a pioneer of Côtes de Gascogne varietal wines and continues the traditional production of Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne.
Freshness and sincerity
In the Côtes de Gascogne and Armagnac regions, estates often draw their roots from family tradition. This is certainly true of Domaine des Cassagnoles , where Laure Baumann has been at the helm of the vineyard since 2010. The torch was passed to her by her father, Gilles Baumann, and her mother, Janine Cardeillac Baumann. Her parents had been managing the estate since 1974, following in the footsteps of previous generations. At that time, Armagnac production consumed the bulk of the winemaking output. Two years marked a commitment to diversification: 1978 saw the creation of the first Floc de Gascogne, followed in 1980 by the first vinification of a 100% Colombard. With the advent of a single-varietal wine, innovative for its time, the style of Domaine des Cassagnoles was established. The aim will therefore be to make the emblematic grape varieties of the Gascony terroir sing with freshness and sincerity.
Terroir and grape varieties
The Domaine des Cassagnoles vineyard stretches across the surrounding hillsides. On this well-exposed terroir, Laure Baumann's first undertaking was to restructure and rejuvenate the vines. Defining the terroir's identity, Gros Manseng and Colombard were established as the dominant grapes for the white wines, accompanied by Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. For the reds, intended to be more understated, Tannat plays a prominent role, supported by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From this palette emerges a clear principle: at Domaine des Cassagnoles, blending is deliberately restrained. The full expression of each grape variety takes precedence. This is driven by both reason and history: the estate remains a pioneer of single-varietal wines in the Côtes de Gascogne. The tone is thus set: honor to the terroir and its capacity to produce wines bursting with fruit.
Bouquet of flavors
At Domaine des Cassagnoles, the tasting room unfolds like a photo album. Each wine illustrates a page, just as each Armagnac tells a story. Chardonnay and Gros Manseng open the chapter on white wines. The pleasure then deepens with a Sauvignon Blanc juxtaposed with a Colombard . Each one highlights a grape variety, a terroir, a season. The white wine chapter would be incomplete without Douceur d'Automne , where Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc distill their aromatic sweetness. In Gascony, the reds provide a counterpoint to the bouquets of the whites. The well-structured Éclat de Tannat first appears in a rosé hue among the grape varieties. Then it adds depth to the story, taking on the robust character of a Tannat Réserve alongside a Merlot with a beautiful, deep red color. Elegance is paramount in each vintage, with a touch of feminine care that the blend of Armagnacs complements with their deep, amber character. Born in the Ténarèze region, they express a pleasing and complex fruitiness that also pairs beautifully with the house's Floc de Gascogne . The story continues with other delights such as Cassagnoles Orange , a voluptuous citrus liqueur. Finally, it concludes with sweet treats: chilled and candied fruits infused with the flavors of Armagnac, a secret Laure Baumann holds dear.