Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe
Fifty hectares are in Sérignan-du-Comtat and form the historic vineyard of the domain. In comparison, the other 20 hectares, acquired a short time ago, are in the town of Mondragon. In addition to their proximity and similarities, above all, the two entities have complementary characteristics.
First, the altitude. The original vineyard is at the level of the Rhône, 70 meters above sea level. The newly integrated plots are 200 meters above sea level. Then, the structure and layout; the historic vineyard is a succession of large terraces, while the new vineyard is a mosaic of 38 small plots with their own micro terroirs, separated by wooded patches.
The soils are also quite different. Indeed, even if these two are rich in red sands and siliceous clay, the new plots seem richer in limestone, with many flat white stones (limestone) visible on the surface.
The vines seem to be planted directly on the rock, something relatively rare in the southern Rhône Valley.
In short, more than ever, Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe is a Côtes du Rhône with a real identity, forged in an intimate massif of Uchaux, almost unknown but incredibly wooded (with Cassagnes! (evergreen oaks)). Nature of incredible beauty.
In a dynamic of preserving the environment, our terroir, the health of our consumers, and that of our teams, the vineyard has been certified organic since 2013.
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A philosophy focused on nature
On the one hand, the synergy between the sown plants and the soil microorganisms allows restructuring and enrichment of the soils, especially in organic matter, beneficial to the cultivation of the vine.
On the other hand, the abundance of plants on the ground is a refuge for bird populations, small rodents, small herbivores, and insects. By promoting the balance of these ecosystems and supporting their food chain, we look to move towards a natural regulation of certain insect pests of the vine.
In addition, we are working on implementing forest hedges within our plots, composed of different varieties of local trees and shrubs, naturally present in the surrounding garrigue.
We believe that hedges will be an asset to deal with climate change: they help keep the plots cool and block the wind when it blows too hard. -
A philosophy focused on nature
By reintegrating these natural environments into our cultures, we create living spaces for small animals, including birds, which take advantage of the many perches. We encourage some species to settle there, such as bats and chickadees, for which we have provided nest boxes.
We also sowed honey flowers in uncultivated areas to allow bees to feed, especially those from our hives.
We're also starting to develop "vitipastoralism", allowing us to combine raising livestock and cultivating the vine. Therefore, sheep graze in the vineyards during the winter and maintain our olive grove and woods.
"The essence of our profession is to create as much harmony as possible between nature, the vine, and the people who work with them. It is through this symbiosis that the balance of this ecosystem, the vineyard, is perpetuated."
Victoria Majnoni d’Intignano, technical manager of the Cassagnes de La Nerthe vineyard.
Wine : Three cuvées of immediate pleasure, expressive and fruity.
They result from the shared passion and the constant quest for the best quality, shaped by the team of Château La Nerthe on terroirs earlier, more limestone and more mineral than in Châteauneuf du Pape.
The gite
In the middle of the vineyards, this building with a Provencal character welcomes many visitors throughout the year.
Discover it here.