Welcome to the world of Circus, a trio of new wines from southern France that, like their namesake, celebrate revelry and conviviality carried out with showmanship and flair. Circus Shiraz, Shiraz-Cabernet and Viognier are part of the latest winemaking initiative from the Cazes family, led by Jean-Michel Cazes and his son, Jean-Charles. This venture has taken one of France’s best known and most respected winemaking families from their ancestral home in Bordeaux, where they own several high-profile properties including Château Lynch-Bages, to the sun-splashed vineyards of southern France and the small, enchanting town of La Livinière in the Minervois district of the Languedoc.

All three wines originate at L’Ostal Cazes, a 370-acre property in La Livinière purchased by the Cazes family in 2002. The estate, which includes 150 acres of vines, extensive olive groves and a state-of-the-art winery, represents a fruitful conclusion to years of careful searching on the part of Jean-Michel and Jean-Charles. Winemaking is overseen by family friend and colleague, Daniel Llose, who has worked alongside Jean-Michel Cazes for over 30 years as managing winemaker at Château Lynch-Bages, Ormes de Pez and other Cazes family estates. The word "Ostal," derives from the ancient Occitaine language once spoken throughout southern France and refers to a family group or dwelling in which that family resides.

With Circus, Jean-Michel, Jean-Charles and Daniel Llose have set out to create quality wines that reflect the character of local grape varieties and terroir. Vineyards are planted primarily with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Carignan.

"There was much to lure us to the Languedoc, a region I believe represents the most exciting new frontier in France where pioneering winemakers are concerned. In the 1998, La Livinière in the Minervois became the first cru-designated district in the Languedoc. It’s an area rich in promise, blessed with an excellent Mediterranean climate, ideal soil conditions and exposure, and a rising commitment to quality winemaking. In recent years the region has become a magnet for enterprising winemakers from France and around the world."


- Jean-Michel Cazes