Terra Vallona', Comte Tolosan, Merlot Cabernet

A rounded and fruity red blend with ample notes of wild strawberry, ripe blackcurrant and spicy overtones. 

Producer Note

Les Marmandais was founded in 2003, following the merging of two cooperative wineries of the appellation: the Cave de Beaupuy (founded in 1957) on the right bank of the River Garonne, and the Cave de Cocumont (1956) on the left bank. Vines have been playing a major economic role in the region since the Gallo-Roman era. During the Middle-Ages, the Bordeaux wine merchants used wines from the Marmandais region to meet export needs. The region expanded over the 18th and 19th centuries, but gained real traction in the 20th century, with improvement and acknowledgement of the distinctive terroir of Côtes du Marmandais and Comte Tolosan. In 1990, Côtes du Marmandais gained Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée status. The vineyards cover both banks of the river: the right bank, ‘Terre de Guyenne’ and the left bank, ‘Terre de Gascogne’, each with its distinctive and individual flair. As proud ambassadors of the ‘Made in Sud-Ouest’ way of life, Les Marmandais aims to express the warmth of their culture with fruit-driven wines, which reflect this historical terroir.

Vineyard

This cuvée comes from a 800-hectare vineyard area in the Comte Tolosan, in the South West of France. The region is situated in the Aquitaine Basin on plains that fall between the Pyrenees, the Massif Central the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon to the east. Much of the region is influenced by a maritime climate from the Atlantic Ocean, which delivers moderated summer and winter temperatures and high rainfall. Further inland, the climate is more Mediterranean, with warmer and drier conditions during the growing season. The vineyard benefits from cooler temperatures at night, which impart a natural freshness in the wine. 

Winemaking

The grapes were carefully selected to ensure the best fruit was vinified. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures of 25°C with selected yeasts and lasted for one week. Maceration took place to extract the desired level of colour, flavour and tannins. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks to retain the purity of fruit.

Tasting Note

A rounded and fruity red blend with ample notes of wild strawberry, ripe blackcurrant and spicy overtones.

Grape

Merlot 68%, Cabernet Sauvignon 32%