A joyful expression of Malbec (or given its provenance, more correctly Côt) from higher altitude vineyards in France.

Vibrant ruby hues gleam out of the glass. The first notes on the nose are of crushed blueberries which then develop on to reveal an intriguing bitter-sweet character of crème de cassis with a touch of underlying parma violets. Fine red-fruits fill the mouth; cranberries and a touch of cocoa nib on the lifted finish.

This has been sourced from the lesser-known territory of Pays Cathare that surrounds the beautiful towns of Carcassonne and Limoux. The rugged environment, with its limestone and clay sub strata, is home to the AOP Languedoc and Limoux, but the vineyards do not stop when the AOP ends and it is from these outskirts that we have sourced an exceptionally interesting wine.

One of the great advantages of the region is the fact that it benefits from enviable geographic and climatic conditions: the warm Mediterranean sunshine is tempered by the altitude and by the cooler nights so characteristic of the foothills of the Pyrenees. These are ideal conditions allowing for the longer, slower ripening of the grapes, thereby providing a superb base for a wine that offer intensity, complexity and finesse.

Delicious with steak and meats from the grill. It works with seared tuna, too.