Rackham 2020 Distillerie Artisanale Cazottes

Rackham 2020 – Distillerie Artisanale Cazottes

Vineyard philosophy

Rackham showcases a truly rare grape variety: Folle Noir, born from crossing Folle Blanche from Jurançon and Malbec. Cazottes cultivates this treasure on just half a hectare of clay-limestone soil in Gaillac, Occitania. Vines are farmed by hand using organic and biodynamic practices, with deep respect for biodiversity and the vitality of the land, yielding healthy, honest grapes.

Cellar approach

After manual harvest, the grapes ferment naturally on their skins for about three weeks in stainless steel tanks, using only native yeasts. No fining or filtering, and only minimal sulphur is added to protect the wine’s freshness. This pure, artisanal process highlights the unique character of the grape and its terroir, resulting in a lively, unconventional natural red.

Tasting notes

Rackham 2020 opens with aromas of rose and violet, followed by hints of raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and plum, with subtle mineral and spicy touches. The palate is fresh and light-bodied, with gentle tannins and a persistent finish that invites another sip. Perfect as an unexpected aperitif or paired with cured meats.

Technical sheet

• 📍 Producer: Distillerie Artisanale Cazottes

• 📅 Vintage: 2020

• 🌍 Region: Gaillac, Occitania – South West France

• 🍇 Grape: Folle Noir 100%

• ⚖️ ABV: 11.5%

• 🧪 Vinification: Stainless steel, 3 weeks skin contact

• ❌ Fining/Filtering: Unfiltered

• ⚠️ Sulphites: Minimal added

• 📦 Format: 0.75 l

• 🌡️ Serving temperature: 14°-16°C

• 🍽️ Pairing: Cured meats, aperitif

• ⚠️ Contains sulphites

See all products of Cazottes

Cazottes: Gaillac, Occitania

An iconic distillery in the heart of Occitania

The story of Cazottes begins in the rolling hills of Gaillac, Occitania, where centuries-old farming traditions blend with meticulous craftsmanship. Originally established as a distillery, Cazottes is now world-famous for the crystalline purity of its artisanal spirits. Only pears, plums, and cherries from organic or biodynamic orchards are used, along with rare native grape varieties like Mauzac Rosé, a true gem of Gascony’s hidden viticultural heritage.

An obsession with detail and purity

What sets Cazottes apart is its almost obsessive dedication to every tiny detail: stems are removed by hand, seeds meticulously extracted to preserve clean flavors, and elderflower petals are individually picked. This patient craftsmanship has earned Cazottes a place on the wine and spirits lists of France and England’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants. These spirits are more than a product – they are liquid tales of a terroir told with precision and respect.

A natural approach to winemaking

The same unwavering commitment to purity defines their winemaking too. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically with utmost care for biodiversity, only fully ripe, healthy grapes are harvested by hand, and in the cellar, only native yeasts and spontaneous fermentations are used. Sulfite levels are kept to an absolute minimum. The result is vibrant, living wines that express the floral freshness of the orchard and the stony minerality of the clay-limestone-schist soils. Each bottle is a testament to Laurent Cazottes’ vision: nature first, no shortcuts.