Chateau de Paraza belonged to the De Girard family since the 17th century, until it was acquired by the Danglas family in 2006. The estate is situated in the heart of Minervois, overlooking the plain of the Aude River. Minervois is one of France’s oldest Mediterranean vineyards, dating back to the Roman era. Chateau de Paraza is intertwined with the history of the Languedoc region; for example, during the reign of King Louis XIV in the 17th century, Paraza was the home of the great engineer Paul Riquet who constructed the famous Canal du Midi, connecting the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the canal can be admired from the seven terraces of the chateau, which were built by Riquet as a gesture of thanks to his hosts at Chateau de Paraza.

The Minervois vines are planted on south-facing slopes, above an ancient riverbed on soil that combines limestone, sand and clay. Chateau de Paraza Cuvee Speciale Rouge 2009 is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre. The different varieties are harvested and vinified separately. In order to attain a very supple, generous and aromatic wine, the fruit is given a short, cold maceration before the start of the alcoholic fermentation and a final deléstage, or the oxygenation and separation of the juice from the grape skins without pressing (and thereby avoiding the extraction of harsh tannins) before the onset of the malolactic fermentation. Chateau de Paraza has a lush texture with flavors of spicy, ripe, dark fruits. It represents outstanding value and is a fine match for pastas, grilled meats and vegetables, charcuterie and tapas.  

2009 is a year of outstanding ripeness at Chateau de Paraza. Very little rain fell over the summer and August was especially hot. A constant wind from the North kept the grapes healthy and well aerated. September brought hot and dry days, but also beneficial cool nights which maintained the grapes’ freshness and developed flavors and aromas. In 2009, the grapes were one full degree riper than for the previous year, but have the same levels of acidity and PH. These factors help to explain why Chateau de Paraza 2009 is at once so rich, deeply colored, fresh and complex.

Now in its second year of production, Chateau de Paraza Rose 2010 is a blend of equal parts Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. To obtain as fresh and pure a Rose as possible, it comes from the estate’s youngest vines, harvested about one week before the start of the picking of each varietal for the red wines. The grapes are combined and allowed to macerate for 8 hours, after which the juice is bled off and fermented in tanks at cool temperature. Bottling takes place in January after harvest. The Paraza Rose has a brilliant light red color and zesty and persistent aromas and flavors of strawberry, citrus and spice. It is one of the most expressive and refreshing Roses available.  

 View Chateau de Paraza's web site.