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Latitude Partner
Before starting his own company, Christophe CASTAGNE acted as a wine consultant and coordinator for some specialized Japanese companies. During those 14 years of experience, Christophe and QWI President, Xavier CASAL, wine producer and Chateau de Cordes owner, met regularly to engage in various projects. Thereafter, in early 2011, the Latitude and QWI Presidents decided to earnestly move forward with a project that will be quite unique in concept – L’Attitude brand.
Not only did the two men work collaboratively toward building the L’Attitude brand, but they have had a 100% involvement in the blending of the wines (the 5 cuvees), with specificities in terms of choices in taste that would easily be compatible with the Japanese people’s palate and senses. Every minute detail has been thought about, and re-thought, in order to find a balance in this wine category that would be as close to perfection as possible. The packaging was also carefully thought out, with a mind to easing up the image of wine, which sometimes tends to be a little too formal.
Now, and in the years ahead, it will remain our mission to provide you with constant quality, whatever the cost.
Another essential parameter was to provide you with high quality-cost performance wines that would unfailingly touch the hearts of Japanese consumers. In the future, Latitude is planning to develop and integrate the same concepts in other French regions too, and also in Spain and the new world producing countries. Therefore, dear customers, your loyalty and faith in us will enable us to develop our concept and provide you with the best for less.
The birth place of Latitude cuvees
This 50-hectare, single estate vineyard of the Casal family is located in the north east part of the French appellation Minervois. The vineyard is located in a valley between the Black Mountains and the famous Canal du midi, close to the great medieval city of Carcassonne. The vineyard’s origin dates back to the 18th century. Chateau de Cordes was first owned by a famous French general called Astruc. The estate was then sold to the Casal family (the actual, current owners) in the late 90’s.
The Casal family’s unwavering goal is to provide great wines with an authentic soul and taste.
A number of infrastructural investments in the cellar and improvements to the vines have been done, in order to attain such rich results.
The Vines and the Land
The vineyards owned by QWI, Chateau de Cordes, extend in one plot, covering the picturesque slopes all around the winery and the farmhouse.
The vines were replanted in the 1950's by the previous owner, after carefully studying and analyzing the soil typology. The soil composition is mainly limestone, clay, and calcareous.
The climate is Mediterranean, while also having some Atlantic influences, providing some very undeniable advantages with respect to the maturity of the grapes.
The total size of the vineyard is 50 hectares. After studying the typology of the soil, the previous owners decided to plant the following grape varieties (also required in the appelation in order to receive AOP authorization, in this case AOP Minervois).
The AOP requirements and allowed grape varieties are as follows:
For the Reds: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and also Cinsault
For the Whites: Marsanne and Roussanne
Since Chateau de Cordes also planted some Cabernet Sauvignon, and also purchases some wine and matures it at the estate (Chardonnay, Viognier), the Cabernet Sauvignon is not allowed to be part of the blending of AOP Minervois. In that case, any blending containing Cabernet Sauvignon or other grape varieties not included in the AOP Minervois requirements will be considered and labelled as IGP Pays d'OC (formerly called Vin de Pays d'OC ).
The Cellar and its History
The winery was first built in 1818. It is located in the middle of the estate, close to the farmhouse. A long time ago, chateau owners carried out all kinds of agricultural activities such as growing not only grapes, but, simultaneously, vegetables, other fruits, etc.
The estate was totally reformed, using modern technology, but the always crucial traditional tools and materials of the vintner were kept.
Vinification and Ageing
The vinification of each grape variety is done separately.
The temperature control and vinification time depend on the vintage characteristics and is adjusted accordingly. Some of the cuvees are aged in French oak barrels, the ageing time depending again on the vintage characteristics.
There is no real secret to making good wine. A healthy grape at perfect maturity is absolutely essential. This is the reason why, at Chateau de Cordes, some of the staff permanently reside at the estate, such that they can intervene at any time, if necessary, in order to protect the meticulous process of making good grapes.
The Winemakers
Chateau de Cordes employs the services of some specialist, consultant winemakers, such as Frederic ROGER or Jeff CARREL, who have many years of experience and accrued expertise on Languedoc wines. However, those winemakers do not decide on the style of wine produced, as this decision belongs to Chateau de Cordes owner, Xavier CASAL.