Founded in 1995, Calmel & Joseph is a maison de negoce specializing in Languedoc-Roussillon wines from private wineries from across the region. Over the years, they have built close personal relationships with a large number of growers from all appellations. Convinced of the extraordinary potential of this region, oenologist, Laurent Calmel, and Jerome Joseph work together on the vinification, blending and ageing of wines with the common purpose of demonstrating the little known yet unique quality of these Mediterranean terroirs. As well as their desire to produce high quality wines consistent with their terroirs, they are committed to making wines which reflect their convictions and experience.

Vineyards

Clay-limestone. The vines are planted to the west of Limoux at 200-300 metres, where the average rainfall is 800 mm/year. The climate is humid and temperate, with westerly winds and periods of warm weather. The grapes ripen later here than in the Mediterranean and Autun areas.

Vinification

60 % Chardonnay, 30 % Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir.

Traditional method. The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in small crates, where they are pressed and processed in temperature-controlled tanks at 15C, following standard white wine-making methods. Wines from several tanks are carefully blended together and cultured yeasts are added the result, which is then bottled. The secondary fermentation starts and bubbles of carbonic gas form within the bottle. After leaving the wine to rest on its lees for 15 months, the final stage consists of turning the bottle upside down so that the sediment sinks down into the neck, ready to be disgorged after freezing. As this operation entails the loss of a small amount of liquid, the bottle is topped up with still wine and “liqueur d’expdition” (a mixture of wine and sugar) before being sealed with a cork.

Tasting Notes

Gleaming with beautifully clear greenish reflections. The mousse is creamy and the bubbles fine and elegant. Superb notes of white peach, flowers and citrus fruit such as pink grapefruit on the nose. The mouth is vinous, fruit packed and fresh, developing aromas of white flowers and lemon as well as a pleasantly delicate bitterness in the effervescence. It is a sparkling wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif but has sufficient character to accompany food.