Domaine Labranche Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2014
Very dark, deep and dense–this wine underlines the notion that Tannat is a study in density and the exact opposite of modern “spoofilated” wines.
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Domaine Labranche Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2014
The wine that speaks volumes about the dedication and expertise of its winemakers. This exceptional red wine hails from the heart of the Madiran appellation in Southwest France, an area renowned for its robust and age-worthy wines. The 2014 vintage is particularly noteworthy, crafted from Tannat grapes sourced from some of the oldest vines on the estate, some of which were planted as far back as the late 19th century.
When you first approach the glass, you’re immediately struck by its deep, inky color—a telltale sign of its concentration and intensity. On the nose, the wine opens up with aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and cassis, interwoven with complex notes of vanilla, mocha, and a touch of graphite. There’s also a subtle hint of earthy undertones, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.
Taking your first sip, your palate is enveloped by a rich tapestry of flavors. The dark fruit characters take center stage, beautifully balanced by secondary notes of spice, tobacco, and a hint of leather. The wine’s tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing a robust structure that supports the wine’s depth and complexity. The mouthfeel is both velvety and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of acidity and minerality that keeps the wine fresh and lively.
The finish is nothing short of spectacular, lingering on the palate with a harmonious blend of fruit and savory notes that gradually fade, leaving you with a lasting impression of elegance and finesse. This is a wine that not only stands out on its own but also promises to age gracefully, developing even more nuanced flavors and complexity over the years.
The Domaine Labranche Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2014 embodies the dedication and craftsmanship of its makers, presenting a wine that is both expressive and enduring. This red wine is produced from Tannat grapes sourced from some of the oldest vines on the estate, some dating back to the late 19th century. These old vines yield grapes with remarkable concentration and complexity, a testament to their deep roots and the unique terroir of Madiran.
The grape harvesting process is done by hand, ensuring that only the finest grapes are selected for this exquisite wine. The harvested grapes then undergo a meticulous vinification process that aims to preserve the purity and character of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, a method that allows for the development of both primary fruit flavors and complex secondary notes.
After fermentation, the wine is aged for an extended period, with a portion of the wine spending time in French oak barrels. This aging process imparts subtle hints of vanilla, spice, and toasted notes, which complement the wine’s rich fruit character. The remainder of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, which helps to maintain its freshness and vibrant acidity. This dual aging method results in a well-balanced wine that offers both depth and elegance.
The wine spends 12-18 months in these vessels, allowing it to mature and develop additional complexity. During this time, the tannins soften and integrate, creating a velvety texture and a harmonious balance between fruit, acidity, and oak influences. The final blend is carefully crafted to showcase the best attributes of each component, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and refined.
With a limited production of just 20,000 bottles, the Domaine Labranche Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2014 is a true artisanal product. Each bottle is a reflection of the estate’s commitment to quality and tradition. This wine is best enjoyed with rich, hearty dishes such as braised venison, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or a robust beef stew, and it is recommended to be served at a temperature of 16-17°C.
As the wine continues to age in the bottle, it promises to develop even more nuanced flavors and a greater sense of complexity. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for several more years, making it a perfect addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection.
Tannat’s power and Madiran’s microclimate combine to make one of France’s truly big wines in terms of tannin content. Madiran’s viticulture fell into steep decline with phylloxera and continued to fall during the long, dreary aftermath. In 1953, plantings of Tannat here were down to 15 acres of vines.
Its revival began in the 1970s. Today, Madiran has some 3,212 acres of vines of various stripes, with the majority in Tannat.
Christine Dupuy took over her family’s six-hectare (15-acre) wine estate, Domaine Labranche Laffont, in 1992 when her father died unexpectedly. She was 23 at the time and the estate had been in her family since before the French Revolution. By chance she had just finished her degree in enology, but she had little practical experience. So she went to neighboring Château d’Aydie, Domaine Capmartin, and Domaine La Chapelle Lenclos, all of whom were among the most prestigious domains in the appellation at the time. During that first year they helped this precocious young vigneronne get off on the right foot.
Christine has come a long way since those early days, and today she farms 50.65 acres of vines, all hand-harvested and tended organically. Of those, 43 acres are devoted to red varieties and the rest to dry and sweet whites. Insofar as she works to refine Tannat’s inherently tannic grip, her red wines are modern in style, but she loses none of the textural density that made the grape famous. Her reds are rich, ripe, and round—and surprisingly elegant
Tannat
The Tannat grape is a bold and robust variety, deeply rooted in the vineyards of Southwest France, particularly in the Madiran region. It’s a full-bodied grape that has become a prominent variety in its native region
French Tannat tends to have stronger tannins and more pronounced red fruit notes, while Uruguayan Tannat is known for being softer on the palate with a focus on black fruit flavors
Primary flavors include plum, licorice, smoke, cardamom, and black currant, while dominant aromas are blackberries, leather, tobacco, and licorice
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The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
France Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
Madiran, located in the gently rolling countryside of Gascony, South West France, is synonymous with robust, red wines primarily made from the Tannat grape variety. These wines are rich, concentrated, and known for their structure, color, acidity, and abundant tannins. By law, Tannat grapes must make up between 60% and 80% of any wine bearing the Madiran appellation. The remaining blend can include Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (also known as Bouchy), and a lesser-known Gascon variety called Fer Servadou (known locally as Pinenc).
The Producer
Tannat’s power and Madiran’s microclimate combine to make one of France’s truly big wines in terms of tannin content. Madiran’s viticulture fell into steep decline with phylloxera and continued to fall during the long, dreary aftermath. In 1953, plantings of Tannat here were down to 15 acres of vines.
Its revival began in the 1970s. Today, Madiran has some 3,212 acres of vines of various stripes, with the majority in Tannat.
Christine Dupuy took over her family’s six-hectare (15-acre) wine estate, Domaine Labranche Laffont, in 1992 when her father died unexpectedly. She was 23 at the time and the estate had been in her family since before the French Revolution. By chance she had just finished her degree in enology, but she had little practical experience. So she went to neighboring Château d’Aydie, Domaine Capmartin, and Domaine La Chapelle Lenclos, all of whom were among the most prestigious domains in the appellation at the time. During that first year they helped this precocious young vigneronne get off on the right foot.
Christine has come a long way since those early days, and today she farms 50.65 acres of vines, all hand-harvested and tended organically. Of those, 43 acres are devoted to red varieties and the rest to dry and sweet whites. Insofar as she works to refine Tannat’s inherently tannic grip, her red wines are modern in style, but she loses none of the textural density that made the grape famous. Her reds are rich, ripe, and round—and surprisingly elegant
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