It was the Romans who discovered the richness of Cazal Viel's soil and began cultivating it. It was a highly sought-after estate during the Middle Ages, a source of fierce conflict between the bishops of Narbonne and Montpellier. The estate was managed for a long time by the monks of Fontcaude Abbey, but during the Revolution, the abbey was seized and sold. In 1791, the Miquel family became the owners of Cazal Viel. Today, the area is the largest independent estate in the Siant-Chinian region. Passionately cultivated by Henri and eventually by his son Laurent, the eighth generation of winemakers.
The grapes for the Laurent Miquel Solas Chardonnay are harvested at night. They are crushed with a selection of the juice. The must is removed from the juice at a low temperature. Fermentation takes place at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celsius. Aging takes place on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Then, it is aged in French oak barrels (50%) for five months. The Laurent Miquel Solas Chardonnay is lightly filtered before bottling. The use of rich oak enhances the beautiful fruit character, but the oak is never overpowering. The wine is blended with fresh, aromatic, and crisp wines from unaged oak. This results in exceptional balance in the final wine. Solas is a handcrafted wine that clearly demonstrates the winemaker's mastery of blending. Laurent Miquel spent many months creating the ideal blend of elegant Chardonnay cuvées from his cellars, all of which contribute to the distinctive characteristics of this Solas. Delightful aromas of white fruit and floral notes on the nose. A full, creamy attack and palate supported by vanilla aromas. Good structure and a lovely finish.
