Whether still or sparkling, white wines hold a prominent place in the Gaillac appellation. They are distinguished by one key characteristic: they are made primarily from indigenous grape varieties. These include Duras, Loin de l'Œil, and Mauzac. Château Lastours' dry white wines are presented in two cuvées: Les Graviers and Claire de Lune.
Gravels
Dominated by Loin de l'Œil blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, subtly accented with Muscadelle and Mauzac, the Les Graviers cuvée is the quintessential dry white wine from Château Lastours. Its freshness is balanced with fruity tannins. The pursuit of unadulterated fruit and the need to maintain optimal temperatures necessitate nighttime harvesting in September. At this time of year, in the Gaillac vineyards, the temperature difference between day and night is significant. At Château Lastours, the focus is on preserving natural freshness, which limits oxidation. This enhanced quality results in a complex blended wine where floral aromas mingle with fruity notes. A slightly underripe harvest adds a touch of citrus to the wine's roundness, accentuating an attack on the palate followed by subtle tannins and a mineral finish.
Moon Glow
With Claire de Lune, another story unfolds, first and foremost a tribute from his son, Louis de Faramond, to his mother, Claire de Faramond. It is therefore a wine of character, whose story also makes it a wine for connoisseurs. Made from 100% Mauzac, one of the most typical grape varieties of the Gaillac appellation, it also reveals itself to be the wine most imbued with Burgundian influences. This is no coincidence, given that Adrien Hudeley, the house winemaker and a man of unwavering character, is a native of Burgundy. Harvested by moonlight, made from meticulously selected musts, and crafted through double fermentation in oak barrels, the Claire de Lune cuvée achieves its goal: to be the wine of character within the house. Between richness and structure, with restrained fruit bursts serving a buttery effect, this white wine reveals a unique and distinguished character among the entire range of Château Lastours wines.
