Alain Chabanon - Le Merle aux Alouettes 2015
Languedoc
Red
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
17/20
Bettane & Desseauve
One of the estate's great reds. Cultivated on the Mas Garrigou plot, the vines grow on an exceptional soil of rolled pebbles on a bed of pure clay. Its natural, vibrant character is immediately seductive. It offers spicy, empyreumatic, lavender and ripe fruit aromas, with a fresh finish.
Features
Estate
Domaine Alain Chabanon
Cuvée
Le Merle aux Alouettes
Vintage
2015
Designation
IGP Pays d'Oc
Region
Languedoc
Grape varieties
100% Merlot
Terroirs
Poor, stony clay-limestone soils
Viticulture
Certified Biodynamic
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Traditional, alternating punching down and pumping over, 5-week maceration
Breeding
36 months, 24 of which in French oak barrels
Alcohol content
13,5%
Organic
Yes
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Deep black colour
Nose
Aromas of liquorice, thyme and undergrowth
Mouth
Ample and suave, well-structured with notes of black fruit (Morello cherry, plum) and chocolate.
Serve
Decant and serve at 15-17°C
Open
At least 2 hours before
Drink before
2029
Food and wine pairing
Goes well with poularde à la broche, truffle purée, duck confit, grilled porcini mushrooms, slow-cooked veal...
Domaine Alain Chabanon
IGP Pays d'Oc
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated 17/20 (Vintage 2014) (Reference 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, some of his cuvées were the subject of debate, but magnificent new installations have enabled him 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
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 maturing. 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
4.3/5
out of 3 reviews
Note and review by M. CLAUDE H. Published on 16/03/2023
Patience is required for this fine wine, which is always served too early.
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Note and review by M. RONAN L. Published on 01/06/2022
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Note and review by Mme JACQUELINE L. Published on 11/11/2019
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