# Cassagne et Vitailles Combarels Blanc (2024)

- **Producer:** Cassagne et Vitailles
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.8%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, lemon, elderflower, apple, blossom, toast, butter, vanilla, cream, almond, hazelnut

## About this wine

Domaine Cassagne et Vitailles was founded in 2015 by childhood friends Matthieu Rollin and Nicolas Seffusatti. After spending a decade building a successful wine import agency in China, they returned to their native Languedoc to craft terroir-driven wines. Guided by the Latin motto 'Perfectus in Statera' (Perfection lies in balance), the estate seeks to combine the natural power of the Southern French sun with the precise, high-acid elegance of classic Burgundy. Located in the high-altitude terroir of Montpeyroux, this specific white cuvée is classified under the regional IGP Pays d'Oc designation and has quickly achieved cult status among sommeliers.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by childhood friends Matthieu Rollin and Nicolas Seffusatti after they spent a decade running a wine import agency in China.
- The estate's philosophy is guided by the Latin motto 'Perfectus in Statera,' meaning 'Perfection lies in balance.'
- They age this white wine in premium Burgundy casks from Tonnellerie Chassin, the same cooperage used by legendary Burgundy houses.
- To strengthen the vines, the estate uses biodynamic preparations made of chamomile, nettle, and horsetail.

## Food pairing

This wine's high acidity and textural richness from fine-lees aging make it incredibly versatile. The crisp acidity cuts through creamy sauces and buttery textures, while the subtle oak integration and stone fruit aromatics beautifully complement the delicate sweetness of seafood and roasted poultry.

## Wine making process

The grapes are sourced from parcellated hillside plots at 300 meters elevation with clay-limestone soils. Yields are kept exceptionally low at 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare to ensure concentration. Following a manual harvest with strict sorting, the grapes are vinified in separate parcels. Spontaneous fermentation occurs with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. To preserve the wine's vibrant, refreshing acidity, malolactic fermentation is blocked. The wine is then aged for 6 to 8 months on its fine lees in premium Burgundy oak casks sourced from the prestigious Tonnellerie Chassin.