2016 MADIRAN, Château Bouscassé. South West France

Madiran is in the deep south west of France. Above is the large Côte de Gascogne region and below is Jurancon, which is not far from the Pyrenees and the Spanish border. Its reputation has long been for tough, unyielding red wines made from the impenetrable Tannat grape, that require a liberal portion of Confit de Canard to facilitate their drinking.

100% Tannat, kept on skins for 6 weeks (a long time but, counter-intuitively, one often gets better tannin integration after an extended maceration). Then matured in new French oak for a year.

Alain Brumont was the person to change the reputation of Madiran. His wines have no lack of structure or authenticity, but the previously dominant rusticity has been eradicated and the intense tannins are carefully managed so the final results are balanced and harmonious.
He runs two estates, Bouscassé and Château Montus.

After five years this is just coming into its own – the oakiness has subsided, the tannins (whilst very evident) are softening. Cook up something big and hearty and this will be an impressive partner.