Château Castigno
Arriving in Castigno is like stumbling upon the end of the world. The vineyard seems to have been set in an antique garden, with its stone walls and tortured vines reminders of times gone by and of the history of the land. The Castigno vineyard lives and breathes in a unique micro-climate, between the woods and the rocks, the truffle oaks and the dense garrigue. It is from this wild and preserved nature that the vine draws its concentrated aroma, its uniqueness and its richness. At times at the mercy of the violent winds and devastating rains, the piercing cold or smouldering heat, at others enjoying the Mediterranean serenity, the vineyard draws its personality from this battle of the elements. It is a place that is both appeasing and violent, a wild place, an authentic place, dominated by the Chteau de Castigno, a true relic of the past. Owned by the Order of the Knights of Malta until the French Revolution, the oldest stones of the Castle were erected by the Knights Templar. It is an original landscape. Paradise regained. The vines of Castigno are classified under the AOC Saint-Chinian. Beyond the Appellation dOrigine Contrôlée, it is the altitude of the domain and its almost insularity in the middle of the garrigue that give the wine its specificity and rarity. After having travelled the world, Marc and Tine literally fell in love with this place and found in it the haven of peace they were dreaming of. This discovery sparked a desire to recharge their batteries, to preserve and protect nature even further, to be forever inspired, to share and enjoy... A philosophy of life which is in perfect harmony with this magical place. The castle will be renovated into a luxurious residence, fully respectful of the surroundings, the materials and the aesthetics. And Tine will successfully marry this authenticity with the foremost contemporary creations. Her signature and sensitivity will add an extra dimension to Castignos uniqueness. The domain is composed of a variety of soils, sedimentary, mainly clay and calcareous limestone and of three different geological ages. This amazing diversity enables each grape variety to be planted on two or three different soils and to subtly play on the aromatic complexity of different expressions. Furthermore, the domains parcels are at an altitude of 250 to 280 metres, which gives the wine an incomparable natural freshness. The earth is treated organically. Treatments are sensibly decided, based on a careful and regular observation of the plants and depending on the lunar cycle and climatic conditions. The vineyard is therefore never denatured. Each grape variety is taken care of so that it can express itself in the best possible conditions. This allows the wine to speak for itself.