History

The Gineste de Saurs family has been traced back to the 14th Century. It has always cultivated vines. In 1852, the family moved to the castle whose construction, ordered by the great grand father of the current owner, started in 1848. The former, Eliezer Gineste de Saurs, famous lawyer in Toulouse was related to the Amilhau family which counts many famous lawyers and judges in the area.

Castle architecture

The architecture of the castle was inspired by Venetian mansions, Shaped like a cross, it has 4 openings, (North – South – East – West) and perfectly blends its inhabitants lives with the demands of the culture of wine. The underground cellar is as big as the Castle itself and additional buildings, such as stables, are located nearby on the property. The grounds were embellished by the current owner in the past few years and the property is classified as a French Historic Monument. The vinification, the aging and the bottling of the wines take place at the castle in an underground cellar where traditional know how and high tech methods combine to bring forward the varietals.

Location

The Saurs Castle is located in the heart of the Gaillac AOC, one of the oldest ones in France which can be traced back to 6th Century, about 30 miles north east of Toulouse in the village of Lisle-sur-Tarn.

Soil

The soil is a well balanced mix of clay and chalky clay in the main coteaux, which brings finesse and elegance and gravel and "boulbènes" at the foot of the slopes which bring charm, fruit, and power to the Chateau de Saurs wines.


Terroir

Thanks to its complimentary soils, an optimal southern exposition, a fantastic micro climate, and lots of sun, the terroir de Saurs offers one of the most favorable environments for highly refined and expressive wines.

Surface of the vineyard

One third of the vineyard was planted more than 20 years ago. New vines have been gradually planted in 5 ha batches balancing the mix of varietals. The last vine was planted in 2000. The vineyard covers 42ha of Gaillac AOC and is composed of:
• 4ha with white varietals
- Mauzac
- Loin de l’œil (typical Gaillac varietal)
- Sauvignon
• 38ha with red varietals
- Duras (one of the oldest varietals that was rehabbed 20 years ago).
- Fer Servadou (Braucol)
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Gamay

Growing Techniques

A few years back, in an effort to promote quality, the Château de Saurs stared working on optimizing its growing techniques through:
• Reasonable nutrition and protection (J.P. Cousinié method)
• The planting of grass around the vines
• Removing leaves at the beginning of ripening period
• Manual lightening of the grapes to optimize their quantity

White Varietals

- Le Mauzac:
Characterized by apple and pear. It produces tender wine with low acidity.
- Le Loin de L'oeil:
This ancient varietal is only found in Gaillac. It brings freshness and smoothness and produces a flowery wine.
- Le Sauvignon:
With a smoky note and citrus aromas, this varietal completes the traditional Gaillac white varietals.

Red Varietals

- Le Duras:
It gives the wine its color, it’s smoothness and finesse. It is characterized by spicy peppery flavors.
- Le Fer Servadou (Braucol):
This varietal contributes its rustic fleshiness and its color to the wine. Its aroma is very characteristic in that it blends blackberries, raspberries, and pepper.
- La Syrah:
Used with discretion , this varietal brings its backbone to the wine along with a beautiful aromatic complexity.
- Le Merlot:
More recent in the vineyard, this varietal belongs to the secondary varietals. It is ultimately blended with local varietals to complete the flavor options.
- Le Gamay:
This varietal brings smoothness, fruitiness, and roundness. It is the only varietal that can make the Gaillac Primeur (Sold on the 3rd Thursday of November).

Organic Estate.
Winemaker: Norbert de Caires