Tour des Gendres Cantalouette Rouge Bergerac 2022

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux -> Bergerac

Grape: Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc

In a nutshell:
A bright, fruity, yet velvety organic red blend from the Dordogne in South West France.

The lowdown:
At Château des Gendres they make some excellent organic wines in styles not too far removed from their neighbours in Bordeaux that are generally a bit easier on the pocket, their Bergerac Rouge 'Cantalouette' being a case in point. It's made from Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc which are farmed strictly according to Organic and Biodynamic principles. Fermentation and lees ageing takes place in stainless steel - there is no oak ageing - to retain a bright primary fruit character. It has a lovely nose of cassis, mint and peppery spice and is soft and rounded on the palate with attractive plum and dark fruit flavours and a dry, savoury finish. Very moreish indeed.

The Producer:
Founded in the mid-1980s by Luc de Conti, whose family originated in Italy and had a deep passion for winemaking, Château Tour des Gendres is a standout in the Bergerac region. They switched to organic viticulture in the 1990s and later embraced biodynamic practices, focusing on balanced and self-sustaining methods. This approach, they believe, enhances the vitality of their vines and better expresses the local terroir. In the cellar, they emphasize minimal intervention to preserve the natural characteristics of the fruit. The result is wines that truly reflect the unique qualities of their vineyards.

When to drink:
Brilliantly versatile and easy drinking it's also good with roast lamb, or rich feathered game dishes.