Domaine Alain Chabanon "Le Merle aux Alouettes" red 2016

PRESENTATION OF DOMAINE CHABANON
+ ALL ITS OTHER WINES IN STOCK

Domaine Alain Chabanon "Le Merle aux Alouettes" 2016 red wine

RVF Guide to the Best Wines of France 2021 (Nov. 2020): 91/100. The merlot shines with Le Merle aux Alouettes, which benefits from a long aging that adds complexity without losing its fruitiness!

Technical Sheet written by Alain Chabanon:

Grape variety: merlot

Average age of the vines: 25 years

Terroir and cultivation method: Parcel from "Mas Garrigou". Poor, stony soils of clay-limestone type. The vines are cultivated using biodynamic methods, under Demeter control, with complete soil plowing and no fertilizers added.

Yield: 26 hectoliters/hectare

Harvest: Manual only in the morning, in perforated crates

Winemaking: After sorting, the grapes are placed in the tank by gravity. No added yeasts. Traditional winemaking alternating punching down and pumping over. Maceration for 5 weeks. Pneumatic pressing.

Aging: 36 months, including 24 in French oak barrels.

Bottling: No fining or filtration.

Tasting advice: Open, or better, decant at least 2 hours before serving at a temperature of 15 to 17 °C.

Watch the video of Alain Chabanon presenting his cuvée:
The winemaker explains that his cuvée "Le Merle aux alouettes" comes from a rather unique and exceptional terroir, the Mas Garrigou.