Domaine Capmartin, La Cuvee du Couvent, AOP Madiran

Under the skilled and insightful guidance of Simon Capmartin, his Madiran has kicked this most traditional of appellations into a new, more progressive age. Punchy and ripe plum and dark berry flavours. This has plenty of depth on the palate, with a spicy finish alongside well balanced tannins. A big bold wine that will work so well with red meat or strong mature cheeses.

Changes to both the management of his vines and the winery have led to a range of wines which showcase the quality of the appellations whilst brilliantly offering a unique and refreshingly modern twist. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon now has his sights firmly set on biodynamic certification. Natural, low-intervention winemaking is the very essence of his approach. Vinification with no added sulphur, all wild ferments, plus lighter extraction of tannins makes his Madiran Tannat a step apart from the region’s more usual impenetrable blockbusters. With the white wines, unique blends under AOC Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, using the rare and cherished Petit Corbu variety, is wonderfully complex, whilst IGT Lou Piaf enlivens the palate with electric sharp acidity … certainly a winemaker to watch with interest.