Description
Country : France
Grape Variety : Malbec
A smooth and balanced Malbec from the Limoux area in South West France. Soft, ripe plummy fruit, with hints of smoke and spice. If you like Argentinian Malbecs you will love this.
Tasting Note : Ripe black cherries and plums come through on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky in texture, with warm layers of black fruits and waves of spice.
Food Pairing : Mediterranean vegetable casserole; grilled lamb chops; cottage pie.
More info : Malbec originated in South West France, so is very at home in this environment. The Astruc estate of around 80 hectares comprises quite a diversity of different grape varieties, both international and local. The Malbec is grown on well-exposed plots, and derives elegance from the altitude of the vineyards – 200–300m above sea level. Yields are kept low to guarantee intensity and concentration of flavour in the grapes.
Winery : Established in 1862 when Jean Astruc purchased 12 hectares of vines in the relatively cool Limoux area in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Domaine Astruc has been continuously developed over the years. In 2002 the estate was acquired by Jean-Claude Mas, one of the Languedoc’s pioneering winemakers, who has worked tirelessly to bring this area back to its former wine producing glory. In winemaking terms Jean-Claude is a bit of a rock star. His wines are modern and ground-breaking, and part of a new wave of clean, fresh, well balanced examples which reflect their terroir whilst appealing to the modern palate.
