Madiran

A favorite among pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, Madiran is a wine from southwestern France that dates back to the time of Caesar! It must contain a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 60% Tannat, a regional grape variety, and also includes secondary varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fer Servadou. Vineyards in the Gers, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Hautes-Pyrénées share this appellation, and with 1,300 hectares, the region produces 65,600 hectoliters of red wine annually. The limestone rocks of the Pyrenean foothills and the oceanic climate of this wine-growing region contribute to the quality of these age-worthy wines, which improve over the course of about ten years. The remarkable, particularly deep ruby color of Madiran wines is typical of the region, and their aroma is reminiscent of raspberries. Wines intended to be drunk young and vinified with this in mind are supple, fragrant, and fresh. The majority of Madiran, however, requires a few years in the tanks, during which time it develops aromatic notes of spices, toasted flavors, and black berries (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant). With aging, the tannins become softer, giving the wine a silkier and fuller-bodied character. It pairs well with grilled or braised meats (lamb, beef, cassoulet, duck breast, etc.).