A red country wine of considerable character and finesse. Aromas of fresh tobacco and green peppercorns, with flavours of black plum, red currant, and dark chocolate on the palate, a medium body, juicy acidity, and savoury finish.

Enjoy alongside robust, country style dishes of duck confit, cassoulet and mature cheeses.

Terroir: AOP Malepère. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc cultivated in the village of Alaigne (at an altitude of 350m). These plots are about 25 years old and have clay-loam soils with gravel. HVE3 certified.

Harvest: The harvest is done by hand and is then transported in small skips to keep the fruit intact. The yield on these plots is about 6000 kg/ha (45-50hl/ha).

Winemaking: Destemming in totality followed by a maceration of 4 to 5 days at low temperature (8-10°C) to preserve the aromas and colour of the fruit. Daily pumping over is done during the fermentation on indigenous yeasts. Then follows a soft pressing with a selection of the best juices, then, after 8 months, the grape varieties vinified separately in vats will be blended before bottling.

"The signature of the winemaker is found in this cuvée which opts for finesse. In a high perched terroir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc deliver a fresh nose, a dynamic, generous wine, a palate of small black fruits, fresh pepper, iris, root, in a fluid texture. Nice, friendly wine."
(Terre de Vins Magazine)

"60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc.
Deep crimson. It would be interesting to taste this alongside a similarly priced red bordeaux. Lots of life here. Real personality in a value-priced wine. Good Value. Drink to 2029."
16.5 points.
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (September 2024)