France: Domaine des Vaublins - Malbec 2023, Touraine, Loire Valley (Haute Valeur Environnementale)

Grape variety: 100% Côt aka Malbec. 12.5% alcohol. 

Owned by the Deniau family, Vaublins has been a family winery for several generations, with the domaine now in the hands of the current generation Nicolas and Alexandrine who - together with Cedric Allion - are making some excellent wines under his watchful eye.

Their 16 hectares (40 acres) of vines are located on the clay and limestone hillsides on the banks of the river Cher near the city of Tours. The 227-mile long Cher is a tributary of the Loire.

In the grand scheme of things, Domaine des Vaublins is a tiny family producer with quality being their sole focus.

They hold the "Issu d'Une Exploitation Haute Valeur Environnementale" - meaning they are certified as an agricultural estate for having "high environmental value". 

A Loire interpretation of Malbec - medium-bodied, lighter and fresher than Cahors, while more structured, mineral, less sweet-fruited than many Argentine examples. 

It is a subtle, fruit-forward, dainty Malbec, at only 12.5% alcohol and with very supple tannins. It boasts a winning harmony of richness and elegance.

It was fermented and aged in stainless steel only, there is no oak influence here: it's all about the fruit.

Ideal as a weeknight red!

This is on the wine list of London's famous L'Escargot restaurant at £50 a bottle or £13 for a glass. This is how good it is!

Food Pairing:

Burgers, steak frites, pork, charcuterie, ragu, stews, mushroom dishes. It's a great BBQ red.