|
|
|
This lovely wine
producing property of 12 hectares with a large 19th century
house and outbuildings was the home
of a wine producer and his family. It lies just above
the tiny wine producing village of Cascastel which is
situated in the Fitou area of Southern France. This is
in the region known popularly as Cathar country. It is 25 kilometres
from the Mediterranean and the beaches, 30 kilometres south
of Narbonne, 40 kilometres north of Perpignan and 40 kilometres
south east of Carcassonne.
There are 12 hectares of vines planted on the
slopes and all are 'Appellation d'Origine Controllée' (AOC
Fitou and Muscat de Rivesaltes). The owner's aim is to
grow the vines organically. The large garden is planted with
Provençal Cypresses, Alep Pines, and Palms and has a swimming
pool measuring ll x 5m. There is a special wine tasting room
where you can sample the wines of the Domaine.
|
|
|
| The Accommodation |
At the side of the main house is a very attractive
holiday home, awarded '3 épis' or wheat ears by 'Gîtes de
France'. The two bedrooms are very comfortable and each has
its own bathroom or shower room and independent toilet. The
house is well equipped with dishwasher, washing machine/drier,
microwave oven, radio cassette and television. It can
accommodate four people and in the sitting room there is a
comfortable settee which converts to a bed for two additional
people. Outside is a small, enclosed, courtyard garden with deck chairs, a teak table,
barbecue and a Jacuzzi.
The stone walls, terracotta tiles and rush matting give a rustic atmosphere
to the interior. The curtains are soft reds, yellows and orange, the bed covers
are a clear sky blue and the mid- 19th century (Louis Philippe) furniture and
modern pieces blend into this background. |
|
| Activities |
|
A guided tour of the vineyards by four wheeled drive vehicle or by Mountain
Bike gives information about the different varieties (cépages) of vines and the
different methods of pruning, for example 'gobelet' and 'guyot'.
There are evenings of music and wine and special evenings called "Les Accords
Parfaits du Grand Guilhem" when a wine is matched to a particular piece of
music.
Week long courses have been organised devoted to learning about growing vines
and the mystery of wine making and there are also also shorter weekend courses
on wine and wine production. Both of these include wine tasting and good
meals.
After sampling the wine of the Domain it is pleasant to wander round the
small streets of the village and enjoy a meal under the open sky at "Le Clos de
Cascastel" a good quality restaurant run by the chef, David Bataller. The menus
are between 15 euros and 36 euros.
|
| |
