Discovering Ciffre Castle

Château de Ciffre, a 70-hectare estate, 36 of which are vineyards, is the only property in the Languedoc region to cover both AOP Faugères, AOP Saint-Chinian and AOP Languedoc. 25 kms from Pézenas, it is situated in a singular geological location between schist and clay-limestone soils, at the foot of Mont Caroux and the Haut Languedoc Regional Park.

• An exceptional terroir

The variety of terroirs, the steepness of the plots and the altitude of the estate, combined with a unique exposure and the variety of grape varieties allow Château de Ciffre to perfectly express these 3 AOP terroirs.

With the naked eye, on either side of the stream that runs through the estate, the variety of terroirs between the different PDOs can be distinguished in a few metres:

- the schists of AOP Faugères
- the rounded
- the clay-limestone soils of the AOP Languedoc

On sloping, chalky or schistous soils, the vineyards offer landscapes of wild and unique beauty.

It is certified organic in 2019 following a conversion process that began in 2015. Respect for nature and eco-responsibility are strong values at Maison Lorgeril.

As part of this approach, the vineyards of the Château de Ciffre regularly receive a roving herd of sheep and goats that make wonderful natural lawnmowers!

• A rare story

Château de Ciffre is one of the 6 family estates of the Maison Lorgeril, whose historical cradle is the Château de Pennautier, since 1620.

A former dependency of the Roman villa of Coujan, located only 2km away, the estate was planted with vines as early as Roman times. A former windmill on the upper part of the estate, it also housed a water mill on the banks of the Taurou stream.

The Château de Ciffre was taken over in 2007 by Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril.

Since then, they have worked hard to take the estate to the top.

In 2010, the Château received the Decanter Regional Trophy for the best wine of the Languedoc.

• The Lorgeril signature

The vineyard is located between 150 and 300 metres above sea level, where the cool nights help to offset the heat of the day, ensuring that the grapes ripen slowly and the aromas are preserved.

Altitude is a hallmark of the Lorgeril style.

It is a major element in the balance of the wines, allowing the diversity of the terroirs and grape varieties to be expressed with finesse and elegance. 

The wines are fresh, elegant and are rewarded each year by multiple medals at national and international competitions.

Find the Château de Ciffre in your nearest CAVAVIN.