Famille Fabre Grande Courtade Pinot Noir Vin du Pays D’Oc 2023, 13.5% ABV
€17.00 at Matson Wine Stores (Bandon, Grange, Youghal).
“We are moving away from ‘traditional’ expressions”
Pinot Noir is often considered a cool-climate wine, typically associated with regions like Burgundy, Oregon, Germany and New Zealand’s South Island. However, our Grande Courtade stands out as an exception. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the warmer vineyards of Languedoc, specifically around the larger towns of Narbonne and Béziers. Despite its origin in the hot Midi, this wine, crafted by the esteemed Fabre family, is Highly Recommended, even if it doesn’t quite match the depth of its cold climate counterparts.
The wine is typically light ruby in colour. The aroma is predominantly fruity, especially with notes of cherry, and there is a subtle hint of smoky peat. The palate reflects these characteristics as well, with the cherries being prominent again and a touch of pepper. Its vibrant acidity and soft tannins contribute to a smooth and elegant finish that lingers pleasantly.
They say: “The woody touch (some of the juice spends a few months in oak) we add during ageing gives it …smoky, almost peaty notes. We are moving away from ‘traditional’ expressions and freeing ourselves from them by joining the Vin de France in this cuvée.” So no AOC on the label, but this “outlier” is a good one, well priced also.
Overall, it is a versatile asset at the table and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, and soft cheeses. The winemakers themselves suggest pairing it with beef tartare and a serving temperature of 14°-16°C.
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