FOUR STONES

Both ambivalent and ambidextrous, the organic Domaine des Quatre Pierres welcomes you to the lands of Cabardès, in Aragon, at the foot of the Montagne Noire overlooking Carcassonne and its fortifications. Why so many qualifiers in the preamble? Because Cabardès is a vineyard straddling two cultures, two very different yet complementary playgrounds: a true link between the southwest and Languedoc. So don't be surprised if the wines offered include varying proportions of Viognier, Chenin, and Petit Manseng for the whites, and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah for the reds. Despite appearances, these wines retain a strong identity, clinging to their foothills like the Cathar castles.