Domaine Alain Chabanon "Le Merle aux Alouettes" red 2018

PRESENTATION OF DOMAINE CHABANON
+ ALL ITS OTHER WINES IN STOCK

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Domaine Alain Chabanon "Le Merle aux Alouettes" 2018 red wine

RVF Guide to the Best Wines of France 2023 (Sept. 2022): 92/100. "Le Merle aux Alouettes, made from the same grape variety (merlot) is more complex (than the Petit Merle aux Alouettes), with its truffle notes and powdery tannins".

Technical Sheet written by the domaine:

Blend: 100% Merlot

Terroir and cultivation method: Poor clay-limestone soil with large rolled pebbles. The vines are cultivated using biodynamic practices, under Demeter control, with complete soil tillage and no fertilizers added.

Average age of the vines: 33 years

Yield: 30 hectoliters/hectare.

Harvest: Manual, in perforated crates.

Vinification: After sorting on the sorting table, gravity-fed into the tank. No inoculation. Traditional vinification. 5 weeks maceration. Pneumatic pressing.

Aging: 36 months, including 24 in French oak casks

Bottled in June 2021. No fining. No filtration. Production of 4,060 bottles.

Alcohol content: 13%.vol

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

History of the cuvée: first vintage in 1999

Expected peak: years 2028-2032.

Food and wine pairings: Spit-roasted chicken, truffled purée, duck confit, grilled porcini mushrooms, veal stew, coq au vin, and fresh tagliatelle.

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.