Domaine la Grange Tiphaine - Touraine Cot Vieilles Vignes 2021 750ml (12.5% ABV)

Made from a single parcel of 120+ year old gnarly Côt (aka Malbec) vines that are planted in soils rich in red clay, silica/flint and a bedrock of limestone. SE facing. Perhaps the oldest Malbec vines in France? Just a few rows of vines.

vines are located a 5 min walk from the winery, on the upper hill of Amboise. Damien (who works with his wife Coralie in the 10 hectare estate) does not really know when it was planted, but looking at the gnarly vines, you know they are from another time.

can be cellared for 10-15 years.

Damien and Coralie Delecheneau, the winemaking team behind La Grange Tiphaine, have played a pivotal role in the revival of quality wines from the Touraine. Their dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking is as well-known across the region, as is their passion for old vines. They own some of the oldest examples of Côt in France and created this cuvée to honour these exceptional vines just up the hill from their winery in Amboise.

deep, dense, earthy. brambly. decanting recommended (producer recommends 2 hours). savory peppery notes will appeal to fans of northern Rhone Syrah, licorice, blueberry, tar, truffles, smoke, herbs, graphite, cassis, fine and elegant tannins

a benchmark for the possibilities of Touraine Côt.

region: Touraine, Loire Valley

varietal: Cot (Malbec)

style: red 

farming/cellar: certified organic, certified biodynamic, Hand-harvested, hand-sorted twice and destemmed. long, 15 day gentle maceration in a cement tank, ambient yeast fermentation in concrete tanks, aged 50% in concrete egg and 50% in 225 l barrel, The wine is bottled after 10 months with a light filtration and minimal added so2

pairing: steak frites, grilled or roasted red meats, duck confit or a rich stew.