2005 Domaine Capmartin, Cuvée Tradition, Madiran

Madiran is one of the great lost appellations form the hugely under-valued South West corner of  France, seemingly forgotten as its neighbours (Bordeaux and the Languedoc), for differing reasons, woo the Anglo-Saxon market place. Madiran was known to Henri 1V, its calling card being the fiercely tannic and individualistic Tannat variety. How to  square such things with the modern market place; Guy Capmartin's solution is to blend it, to be precise with 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The result is a terrific wine; great value for money certainly, with tannins that are firm but in no way astringent or drying. Black fruits, hints of spicy and earthy gravitas would make this a great wine for most winter fare, from the indiginous cassoulet all the way to the more prosaic shepherd's pie.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
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