Domaine Capmartin La Cuvée du Couvent, Madiran 2018

He we are in the south-west of France and in truth a region we/I have not explored enough: although in parts as I have often been somewhat disappointed by what the region has to offer for red wine lovers. Tannat is the key grape here – a heavy robust tannic by name tannic by nature sort of thing, where you have to wait at least 10 years before the wine ‘opens up’ and then try and enjoy drinking them. Well perhaps we have been looking in the wrong place or the wrong producers! Simon’s wines from Domaine Capmartin have been a revelation to us this year!

Natural, low-intervention winemaking is the very essence of his approach. Vinification with no added sulphur then all wild ferments. Plus lighter extraction of tannins makes his Madiran Tannat a step apart from the region’s more usual impenetrable blockbusters.

Punchy and ripe plum and dark berry flavours. This has plenty of depth on the palate, with a spicy finish alongside well balanced tannins. 13.5% vol. Certified organic.