Mediterranean Marvel from Domaine Magellan
When Bruno Lafon bought this old estate in the village of Magalas with his sister-in-law, Sylvie Legros, the property was a collection of run down vineyards, planted with a wide variety of grapes. Lafon has transformed the vineyards, bringing his experience as an established grower in Burgundy, and now cultivates 13 varieties of vines that are best matched to the local conditions (and traditions). One of the most interesting vineyards under his care is located in Pézenas. Pézenas is a sub-appellation of the Languedoc in southern France. It is one of several Languedoc sub-appellations, all of which are located on the coastal plains between Narbonne in the west, Montpellier in the centre and Nimes in the east. The climate here is typically Mediterranean, with long hot summers and relatively mild winters helping to bring the grapes to full ripeness. The Pézenas title is reserved exclusively for red wines made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. The local, but less respected varieties Carignan and Cinsaut were once widely used here but are now limited to a maximum of 30% in any Languedoc-Pézenas wine. On offer this week is the 2013 Domaine Magellan Coteaux du Languedoc Pézenas. This wine is a co-fermented blend of almost equal parts of Syrah and Grenache which is normally impossible as Syrah usually ripens a week or two before Grenache. But the Syrah that Lafon planted on the north face of a small hill on the estate, exposed to the Mistral in comparatively indirect sun, ripens a few days later than normal (Bruno says it’s the finest Syrah on the estate). And the Grenache he planted on the south face, protected from the wind and happily baking in the the brilliant Languedoc sun, ripens a few days earlier than normal. Consequnetly, Bruno is able to harvest the entire vineyard at once, and ferment the Syrah and Grenache together in a single tank. The location of this vineyard is quite picturesque, with uninterupted views to the South of the silvery Mediterranean glistening on the horizon. Bruno took me on a long walk through this vineyard pointing out the many unique features of the terroir. The 2013 Domaine Magellan Coteaux du Languedoc Pézenas is available for immediate delivery. We only have 40 cases of this mouth-watering wine available. The previous vintage of this wine SOLD OUT quickly. To order please e-mail or telephone us at 416-463-4677 2013 Domaine MagellanCoteaux du Languedoc Pézenas$24.95 btl / $149.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml) In the glass the wine shows a deep, dark purple colour. On the nose look for dried black cherries, Kirsch, black raspberry, lavender, and cassis, further complexed by notes of rosemary and cedar. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a plush core of black and red fruit leading to a long clean finish. Drink: Now – 2020+ Food Pairing: Grilled meats, chicken, pasta Accolades: Juicy and focused, this spicy red shows wild red currant, raspberry and red plum notes that are lifted …