Colombelle Merlot-Tannat

• Vintage: 2020
• Origin: Côtes de Gascogne, South West France

• Taste guide: On the palate you’ll find juicy red fruit notes — think cherry, plum and red currant. Soft, rounded tannins and a touch of gentle spice lends subtle vanilla and oaky peppery nuance. The blend balances Merlot’s plush fruit with a bit of Tannat structure, making it smooth and medium-bodied with a fresh, easy finish.
• 75cl - 13.5% - Screwcap opening
• Food pairings: Pairs beautifully with rich grilled or roasted meats like beef, lamb or game, hearty pasta with robust sauces and mature cheeses.
  

It all began in the mid-1970s when André Dubosc – a third-generation wine grower – set out to build up the reputation of the wines from their region of South-West France. He and other passionate young winegrowers fashioned local dry white wines (now a PGI: Côtes de Gascogne), revived the Saint Mont appellation and gave a new breath of life to the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, made from late-harvested grapes. In 1979, these women and men, who put their heart, soul and know-how into producing the best the terroir could offer, decided to strengthen their foothold by uniting their wine cellars and estates. And so they set up the Plaimont union of cooperatives (“Pl” for Plaisance, “Ai” for Aignan and “Mont” for Saint Mont).

A wine-growing area for many years given over to producing Armagnac brandy, Côtes de Gascogne enjoyed a winemaking revival in the late 1970s, when André DUBOSC, founder of the PLAIMONT union, rediscovered the “French Colombard of the Gers”.

Hard to find in the UK so stock up whilst you can!