We tasted the Argile Ocre 2022 cuvée, a gastronomic white from Château Cazebonne

By César Compadre

Sud Ouest tasted the Argile Ocre 2022 cuvée from Château Cazebonne, a gastronomic white wine in AOC Graves. Crafted from heritage grape varieties, fermented and aged in amphorae, this wine is certified biodynamic. The owner, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, is renowned for his work replanting forgotten grape varieties and has written a book on his approach. This cuvée comes from 50-year-old vines on gravel soils with a seam of clay.

Château Cazebonne, owned by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne in AOC Graves, has been highlighted by Sud Ouest, which tasted its Argile Ocre 2022 cuvée. This white wine, described as gastronomic, is crafted from heritage grape varieties, including an ancient grape known as “bouché” co-planted with Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Gris. The approximately 50-year-old vines thrive on gravel soil with a seam of clay. Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, who took over Château Cazebonne in 2016, is renowned for his ambition to replant grape varieties of the past, with around twenty of them already cultivated across the 30 hectares. The Argile Ocre 2022 cuvée was fermented and aged in amphorae, offering a nose of citrus fruits and a full, vibrant palate. Certified biodynamic, this rich wine with a silky texture is recommended as an accompaniment to dishes such as tuna steak or full-flavoured cheeses such as Beaufort or Comté. The 2022 vintage is also highly rated in the region.