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.

Sourced from the lesser-known territory of Pays Cathare that surrounds the towns of Carcassonne and Limoux. The beautiful rugged environment with its argilo-calcaire sub strata is home to the AOP Languedoc and Limoux, but the vineyards do not stop with the AOP geographical limits and it is from these outskirts that we have sourced some exceptionally interesting wines. 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 wines that offer intensity, complexity and finesse. The traditional ‘noble’ grape varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have a natural affinity here in the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, as does the less-widespread Malbec (originally known in France as Cot). Malbec has a long-standing history in Languedoc and Corbières where it is used knowingly in the delicate art of blending. We have decided not to blend, but to offer this Malbec as a stand alone, a wine to appreciate for its difference.

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