Alain Chabanon - L'Esprit de Font Caude 2010

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Alain Chabanon settled in Montpeyroux in 1992, having previously worked at Château Montus and in Corsica. He also farms plots in Jonquières, Saint-André, Lagamas and Saint-Saturnin. A pioneer among organic winegrowers, Alain is one of those refined, passionate winemakers. In the past, certain cuvées were sometimes the subject of debate, but magnificent new installations have enabled us to take a step forward. The ageing process, which was still visible, is set to evolve considerably, with a switch from barrels to foudres. Concrete eggs for the Mourvèdre grapes have helped to improve freshness. More flesh in the wines would enable the domaine to play in a higher category.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

The son of teachers and an oenological engineer, Alain Chabanon acquired vineyards in 1992 in Montpeyroux and surrounding villages. He built his winery in the midst of his vineyards (17 ha), which are farmed organically (certified in 2002) and biodynamically (2011).

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Esprit de Fond Caude 2010 seems considerably finer than the 2009; with much better integrated ageing, this concentrated Mourvèdre/Syrah blend combines aplomb and élan.

About the domain :

Alain Chabanon set up business in 1992 just outside Montpeyroux, after training with Alain Brumont in Madiran and Count Peraldi on the Isle of Beauty. A dedicated and inspired winemaker, he quickly made a name for himself with his hard work in the vineyard and his real choices in terms of viticulture, blending and ageing. Patience is required for these unvarnished, highly tactile wines, which see stainless steel, concrete eggs or foudre, and are bottled late after they have mellowed. The overall impression is fair and precise, with exemplary management of terroir expression and maturity. We salute the work done and the assertive personality of each of the wines.