Domaine Alain Chabanon Petit Merle aux Alouettes 2016

Name: Domaine Alain Chabanon Petit Merle aux Alouettes 2016
Brand: Domaine Alain Chabanon
Rating: 4 (5 reviews)

IGP Pays d'Oc|Red wine|Organic

Languedoc

Red

Sold individually

Drink or Keep

4/5 (5 customers)

15/20

RVF

15,5/20

Bettane & Desseauve

Le Petit Merle aux Alouettes surprises with its concentration and depth. On the palate, its notes of guarrigue and spices transport you with a long, silky finish. A little jewel in the bottle!

Features

Estate

Domaine Alain Chabanon

Cuvée

Petit Merle aux Alouettes

Vintage

2016

Designation

IGP Pays d'Oc

Region

Languedoc

Grape varieties

Syrah, Merlot

Terroirs

Poor, stony clay-limestone soils

Viticulture

Certified Biodynamic

Harvest

Manual

Winemaking

Traditional vinification alternating punching down and pumping over, 5-week maceration.

Breeding

10 months in stainless steel tanks

Alcohol content

13,5%

Organic

Yes

Tasting & pairing

Eye

Ruby with purplish highlights

Nose

Intense aromas of red fruit, liquorice and garrigue

Mouth

Full-bodied and generous with notes of guarrigue and pepper

Serve

AT 15-17°C

Open

At least 2 hours before

Drink from

2018

Drink before

2023

Food and wine pairing

Goes well with sautéed capri with new vegetables, rabbit crépinettes à la provençale, confit pork belly...

Domaine Alain Chabanon

More information on Domaine Alain Chabanon

IGP Pays d'Oc

More information on IGP Pays d'Oc

Expert opinion

Bettane & Desseauve

Rated (2018 guide) 15.5/20 (Very good wine)

Domaine rated (guide 2024) 1*Star (A serious, recommendable production, in line with what one has the right to expect from its appellation(s))

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

Domaine noté (guide 2024) Award-winning wines (The wines of this producer are regularly awarded by the guide)

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

Rated (2018 guide) 15/20 (Good wine)

Domaine rated (guide 2025) 2*Stars (These great estates, often endowed with fabulous terroirs, are must-haves which, thanks to their consistency and the excellence of their production, must be included in the cellars of discerning wine lovers).

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.

Customer reviews

Customer rating

4/5

out of 5 reviews