Château Canet, Minervois les Evangiles, 2022
Château Canet, Minervois les Evangiles, 2022
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14%
- Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre
Couldn't load pickup availability
Château Canet's Minervois les Evangiles represents the estate's premium cuvée from this historic Languedoc appellation. The 2022 vintage combines traditional Mediterranean varieties in a blend that captures the wild, herb-scented landscape of the Minervois hills. Syrah provides the backbone, whilst Grenache adds warmth and generosity, supported by old-vine Carignan and a touch of Mourvèdre for structure.
This is Minervois with both power and finesse, displaying the concentrated fruit that comes from low-yielding vines on limestone and schist soils. The wine shows immediate appeal but has the structure to develop further complexity over the next six years, when the initial exuberance will integrate with more savoury, earthy character typical of the region's finest expressions.
The 2022 is drinking well now but will develop further complexity over the next 2-3 years as the primary fruit integrates with the herbal and mineral components. By 2028, expect more savoury, earthy character to emerge, with the tannins fully resolved and secondary aromatics of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs becoming prominent. The wine should hold this complexity until around 2032, when it may begin to show signs of decline, though the best bottles could last slightly longer.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple-black with hints of ruby at the rim, showing good concentration and youth.
NoseImmediate aromatics of blackberry and cassis mingle with wild thyme, rosemary, and lavender from the surrounding garrigue. Subtle spice emerges with aeration, along with graphite minerality and a touch of Mediterranean oak. The intensity builds in the glass, revealing layers of dark fruit and herb complexity.
PalateFull-bodied and structured, with concentrated blackberry and damson fruit supported by firm but ripe tannins. The mid-palate shows excellent weight and texture, with savoury herbs balancing the fruit richness. Limestone minerality provides backbone, whilst integrated oak adds subtle vanilla and spice without overwhelming the terroir character.
FinishLong and warming, with persistent fruit and a final flourish of garrigue herbs and black pepper spice.
Overall impressionA serious Minervois that balances Mediterranean power with genuine finesse and terroir expression.
Food Pairings
In the Languedoc, robust reds like this pair naturally with the region's rustic cuisine. Local favourites include cassoulet, the slow-cooked bean stew with duck confit and Toulouse sausage, or daube de taureau, bull's meat braised with olives and herbs. Grilled lamb with herbes de Provence is a classic match, as are the region's charcuterie platters featuring wild boar terrine and herb-crusted saucisson. The wine's herbal character complements dishes cooked over vine prunings, a traditional technique that imparts subtle smoky aromatics.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and structure to show at their best. Decant for 30-60 minutes to soften the youthful tannins and allow the aromatics to open fully. Use generous Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the complex aromatics and provide adequate surface area for the wine to breathe. This style benefits from being opened several hours before serving if drinking young.
The vineyards of Château Canet are planted on the classic limestone and schist soils of the Minervois foothills, at elevations between 200-300 metres. These well-draining soils force the vines to dig deep, concentrating flavours whilst the Mediterranean climate provides intense sunshine tempered by cooling mistral winds. The garrigue scrubland surrounding the vineyards imparts its wild herbal character to the grapes, whilst the limestone bedrock contributes mineral structure and elegance to what could otherwise be overwhelming power.
Minervois lies in the foothills of the Massif Central, where Mediterranean warmth meets cooler mountain influences. The appellation was elevated to AOC status in 1985 and encompasses diverse terroirs from the coastal plains to limestone hillsides. Minervois wines are typically blends based on Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, producing reds with more structure and elegance than the broader Languedoc appellations. The region's best sites, particularly those on limestone soils, can produce wines with genuine ageing potential that rival more famous southern Rhône appellations.
The 2022 growing season in Languedoc proved challenging yet ultimately rewarding for vignerons across the region. Spring brought welcomed rainfall after several dry years, replenishing water reserves, but summer delivered intense heat waves and drought conditions that tested vine resilience. The lack of summer precipitation concentrated flavours admirably, though careful canopy management became essential to protect grapes from scorching temperatures. Harvest began earlier than average, with producers working swiftly during cooler morning hours to preserve freshness and acidity.
The vintage displays classic Languedoc intensity with excellent concentration across varietals. Syrah and Grenache performed particularly well, producing wines with deep colour and robust tannins, whilst Mourvèdre benefited from the extended hang time possible in the warm, dry conditions. Quality varies notably by site and producer attention, with the finest examples showing impressive balance despite the challenging year. Most 2022 Languedoc reds will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring to soften their youthful structure, though the region's typical fruit-forward style makes many enjoyable now with decanting.
FAQs
What makes this wine different from other Minervois?
Les Evangiles is Château Canet's premium cuvée, made from their best hillside parcels on limestone soils. The blend emphasises structure and elegance over pure power, with careful oak integration and extended ageing that sets it apart from everyday Minervois wines.
How does this compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Whilst both use similar grape varieties, Minervois typically shows more immediate fruit character and less complexity than Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This wine offers excellent value, providing much of the appeal of premium Rhône wines at a more accessible price point.
Should I cellar this wine?
The 2022 is approachable now but will reward 2-3 years of cellaring. Store in a cool, dark place at consistent temperature. The wine has the structure to age until 2032, developing more savoury complexity over time.
What food would you recommend with this wine?
The wine's structure and herbal character make it ideal for grilled or roasted red meats, particularly lamb with Mediterranean herbs. It also pairs beautifully with game, rich stews, and mature hard cheeses. The garrigue herbs in the wine complement similar flavours in the food.
Is this wine organic or biodynamic?
We don't have verified information about organic certification for this specific wine. Many Languedoc producers are moving towards more sustainable practices, but it's best to check directly with the producer for their current certifications.
What's the best vintage of this wine?
2022 was a strong vintage in the Languedoc, with good concentration and balance. The wine shows the benefits of a warm, dry growing season that allowed full phenolic ripeness whilst retaining freshness. Each vintage will vary depending on weather conditions and the producer's selections.
-
Free UK Delivery
Learn about deliveryGet free UK delivery when you spend £75 or more on duty paid wine
-
Save 30% on a host of quality wines
Our fine wines are sourced from our sister retailers, but offered at a substantial discount to their previous selling prices.