Domaine de Valmengaux 2015/2016, Bordeaux

£19.95 per bottle

ABV 13%

Organic

90%Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc

Located in the town of Vérac between Pomerol and Saint Emilion Domaine de Valmengaux is the brain child of musician come winemaker Vincent Rapin. Certified Organic and using Biodynamic techniques the vineyard is run as Vincent puts it on 'common sense and pre-pesticide practices with only natural treatments being used and complex co-planting of other species in between the vines to promote their health. In his custom-made winery Vincent is moving toward the use of less oak and has been investing instead in stockinger 12HL and amphorae to allow the wine to express its true character. The grapes are hand harvested, only natural yeasts are used and Vincent does not use SO2 but favours a polyphenol liquid which is also organic. The wines show a lightness of touch, elegance and if I dare say it a touch of mystery. This is a very interesting new producer who I believe has the potential to become renowned for their different/innovative approach to Bordeaux wines and who could gain a real following in the UK market. 

An exciting new wine from the right bank made organically with minimal use of oak and 10% amphora aging. This smooth, medium bodied red exudes subtlety and elegance while also being generous and complex in flavour. The nose shows damson and bramble fruit which is equally as evident on the palate with the addition of some savoury notes. The uniqueness of this wine is that despite its reasonable amount of firm tannins, is has a real lightness of touch which makes it very approachable and easy to drink. This would be the perfect bottle to compliment lamb cutlets or a cote de boeuf.

Green harvesting
Coplanting in vineyards
Taylor made fermenters allowing full but gentle extraction
No added sulphur but instead an organic polyphenolic solution
Only fermented using natural yeasts
Some aging in terracotta jars (currently 10% but will increase in future vintages)
Certified organic