Many grape varieties are permitted in Perigord, however the wines are predominately comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Semillon assemblages, much like the overarching Bordeaux region. The soils also share notable resemblance to Bordeaux, and Gironde, specifically, being made up of sand, clay, and boulbènes, ideal for drainage and pH for the vines.
In the Perigord region, Nature seems to work in concert with the growing season. Regular rains taper off throughout the early summer, the summer is hot and relatively dry to provide ample energy for photosynthesis in the brightest months, and dry conditions right until harvest condition the vines to produce concentrated, ripe fruit. Then the fields are refreshed in the late months, reconstituting the soils with winter rainshowers.
Aligning with MTW’s focus on ethical farming and minimal intervention Vignobles Fabien Castain was among the first winemaker members to join ‘Produit en Nouvelle – Aquitaine’ project, which is dedicated to providing local and responsible products from both a social and environmental point of view. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2000 and and HVE 3 since 2013.