2013 Domaine des Costes Rouges, Marcillac Rouge “Tandem” Mansois, South West, France.
A tiny country estate in the wilds of southwest France, the Domaine des Costes Rouge is a wife and husband property run by Claudine and Eric Vinas, they do everything themselves and grow their Mansois vines organically. Eric is a former restauranter, but still offers farm made fare/cuisine who happen to search out their beautiful hillside winery. The wines are all estate and organic grown 100% Mansois, these are natural, rustic and charming wines with terroir and real unique personality, the latest set are especially appealing and engaging. The Domaine des Cotes Rouges Tandem 2013 is bright, lightly fruity with medium weight and shows tangy red fruits, earth, spice and soulful character, it was fermented in cement vats in their underground/cellar keeping the process naturally cool then the wine is raised in cement tanks until the following spring, then the wine is bottled and rested until fall. The 2013 Tandem starts with plum and cherry fruit with hints of raspberry, cranberry and blueberry along with a Loire Cabernet Franc like bell pepper note, game, wet/loamy earth, truffle, wild herbs, a touch of red and black pepper, fig and stone/mineral. There is a bit of zesty acidity, mild tannin rawness and vigor. but still pleasing and easy on the palate, and it’s hard not to enjoy the pure honesty of this wine, it’s sense of place and the true nature, with low alcohol, about 12%, this is a fun and expressive wine. Enjoy this Marcillac, imported by Charles Neal, over the coming year or so, drink from 2015 to 2018.
($18 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
