DOMAINE COSSE MAISONNEUVE, ‘LE COMBAL’, CAHORS, FRANCE, 2017

Biodynamic

What are your thoughts on Malbec?

For me it’s always been a difficult grape for me to grasp. Many are rich, tannic and massive fruit bombs that usually get smothered in vast amounts of oak and have that “smooth” character that people seem to love, as well as that abv level that they also seem to grasp so readily.

Malbec, however (that many people may not actually originated in Bordeaux and the South West of France, also it is also known as Cot. These styles of Malbec are vastly different to those found in new places around the world and have a uuniqueto them that is entirely their own.

The wine is from the Cahors that I actually quite enjoyed it…

Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve was created way back when in 1999 by 2 talents: Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve. They began by taking over 5ha of vines near the Cahturned verickly turned everything to Biodynamics. The grapes are all hand harvested, with the fermentation happening in stainless steel, with ageing occurring in old barrels for 12 months.

This was an interesting take on Malbec. Not quite that rich fruit driven style of the new world, but also not quite as light as some I’ve tasted from more traditional parts. I really enjoyed the medium body, that ripeness, and yet this spiced fruit character. It was pleasantly easy to drink and has this fresh prunes and figs aroma, too. There’s a hint of liquorice on the palate, with the acidity giving the wine a lively cleanse also.

Granted, its perhaps a very different style of Malbec to what a lot of people are used too – its dry, tannins are there etc… but overall a lovely tipple for mid-week drinking in front of some good TV.

I purchased this bottle from www.buonvino.co.uk for £22
ABV – 13.5%