Château de Lastours, covering its history, environmental commitment, and modern evolution: 1. A Millennial and Strategic Heritage The estate’s roots trace back to Roman Antiquity. Its original name, Castrum de Turribus (the castle of towers), reflects its role as a strategic military outpost monitoring a dangerous pass on the famous Via Domitia. As a vital stopover for travelers and Roman garrisons, the site has always been a crossroads between Italy and Spain. Viticulture was introduced here by Greek merchants as early as the 2nd century BC and flourished so much under Roman rule that it rivaled Italian producers of the time. 2. Modern Revival by the Allard Family After centuries of polyculture (wood, livestock, and grain) under the Viscounts of Narbonne, the estate reached a major turning point in 2004 when it was acquired by the Allard family. These enthusiasts undertook a massive project to restore the then-neglected land. In 2020, a new chapter began with the arrival of Thibaut de Braquilanges, a local expert with international experience, who now leads the team in promoting the identity of Lastours wines (AOP Corbières) worldwide. 3. A Sanctuary of Biodiversity and Ecology Château de Lastours is now defined as a landmark of organic viticulture in the Languedoc. Its environmental commitment is holistic: Wildlife Preservation: The creation of wetlands, the installation of beehives, and the planting of hedges and groves serve as ecological corridors. Resource Management: Reasoned irrigation using rainwater, rigorous monitoring of energy consumption, and a significant reduction in bottle weight to limit the carbon footprint. Circular Economy: Systematic use of recycled cardboard and strict waste sorting within the estate. 4. Precision Viticulture and Terroir The vineyard, spanning a hundred hectares in the heart of the Mediterranean garrigue, follows rigorous organic principles: Organic Certification: All wines (red, rosé, and white) have been officially certified organic since the 2020 vintage. Soil Health: Natural winter grassing to eliminate herbicides, organic amendments, and alternating row-by-row tillage to maintain soil structure. Innovation: The estate is diversifying its grape varieties and focusing on plot selection and agroforestry to reveal the fruit-forward finesse and authentic Languedoc identity of its wines.