Chateau Peyros is one of the leaders of the Madiran appellation. Having originated in the 17th century, the property represents 26 hectares (65 acres) of vineyards in the most southern area of Madiran. The Chateau produces a mere 4,000 cases a year.
The vineyard is sustainably cultivated with natural organic contribution exclusively made up of organic manure from a herd of 300 sheep that walk around the vineyard from October until May. The red varieties grow in a rock-hard and iron rich chalky clay soil. This soil is so hard that it takes a pair of oxen to rip it up. To accommodate the oxen, vines are planted more widely apart than often seen. The Vieilles Vignes cuve is produced only with 40 to 50 year old vines.
This Madiran is made up of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet Franc. The combination makes for a rather tannic and full bodied wine with a bit of tart juicy fruit from the Cabernet Franc. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and then spends 14 to 16 months ageing in oak (40% in French new oak and 60% in one year barrels). The wine is unfined and unfiltered - so not only does it smell like wet earth, you might feel like you get a little in the glass too!
The wine is intense in color and in mouthfeel. It's chalk full of earthy, robust meaty flavors that make it perfect for winter nights full of rich meaty braises. It will give you some classic aromas of blackcurrant, plum, bramble and cedar, together with a hint of spearmint. On the palate you get ripe red fruit, cassis and bitter cherry flavours, infused with bitter chocolate and spice, great acidity and firm, but fine tannins. A stunning wine, not for the faint of heart.
Chateau Peyros Madiran $20/bottle
