Re: Madiran

David Rheault wrote: : Hi,

: Does anyone here like these wines from Southwestern France? Any comments : about them? Flaws? Attributes? I just know that the main component is the : tannat grape (not sure where we see that grape elsewhere except for a few : places in South America) and that they can be too tannic if drunk on the : young side. I've heard of Chateau Montus but I don't know if this estate is : easily obtainable in the US.

David -- these wines are NASTY BEASTS. Please STAY AWAY from them!

(heh heh, now that we got rid of 99% of the readers here...)

These wines do have a tough mean streak to them: rough, chewy tannins and near-black in color, but they can have their charms too. Of course I haven't had one that qualified yet, but am sitting on a 1995 Montus (reputebly the best of the bunch) for scientific experimentation and hopeful enlightenment. There ought to be vintages of Montus floating around, but uneven in its distribution. I know there seems to be an awful pot of it in Boston and Brown Derby.com sells it as well.

Let us know what you think of this if you try one.

Mark S

Well, I have heard that they are astringent/tannic. ;> Tannat strikes me as an unusual grape variety as well. Actually, I've also heard that the traditional ones are more like that, needing quite a bit of bottle age. Newer producers are apparently trying to put more fruitiness in the flavor.

I've located a Domaine Berthomieu (not sure what year, possibly 1997) so I may try it and get back to this group when I do. I have heard that Montus is the best and if I can't locate a bottle (live in a retrograde state where Internet wine sales are forbidden) then I'd love to hear your thoughts.

dcr

Thanks for the tips & info Ian! I will probably try to locate a Montus soon and will be back with my impressions!

dcr