Les Gourgoules 2025 — The flagship wine of Château de Caraguilhes
Les Gourgoules is the wine that established the reputation of Château de Caraguilhes as the gold standard for organic Corbières wines. Its name refers to the estate’s historic plot where the château’s donkeys and sheep still graze—a vibrant and authentic place, nestled in the heart of the prestigious Boutenac terroir, between the Abbeys of Lagrasse and Fontfroide.
Blend and Viticulture
Les Gourgoules 2025 is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Carignan, sourced from vineyards cultivated using Biodyvin- and Demeter-certified biodynamic methods on the clay-limestone soils with rounded pebbles of the Boutenac terroir. The Carignan is vinified using carbonic maceration to preserve its crisp fruitiness; the Grenache and Syrah undergo traditional fermentation to add structure and depth. No aging in wood—entirely tank-aged to preserve the vintage’s aromatic purity.
The Château de Caraguilhes is a pioneer of organic farming in the Languedoc: Ecocert-certified since 1987, a member of Biodyvin and Demeter since 2020, 135 hectares of contiguous vineyards nestled within 500 hectares of preserved garrigue in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. Pierre Gabison, owner since 2005, upholds the high standards established by Lionel Faivre in 1958. "Organic viticulture is our obsession. Our priority is to ensure that we can produce authentic wines with a distinct style using traditional winemaking techniques. We allow our soils and vines to express themselves naturally through each vintage."
Tasting Notes
Very dense and deep color, with intense violet highlights at the rim of the glass—a hallmark of the 2025 vintage in Corbières. The nose is beautifully intense: crushed blackberry, tapenade, rosemary, and black pepper, with hints of Provençal garrigue. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, with a silky attack featuring pepper, blackberry, and black olive; fine, well-structured tannins; and a fresh, dynamic, long, and spicy finish. An organic Corbières that offers immediate pleasure yet has sufficient depth to age harmoniously.
Serve at 16–17°C; open 1 hour before serving. Aging potential: 5–8 years. Pairs perfectly with grilled lamb, duck breast, vegetable tagine, and bold cheeses.
Bettane & Desseauve 2 stars for the estate.
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