Domaine la Taste - Gascogne Rouge 2018

Domaine La Taste is run by the Fontan family, one of the first families in Gascony to bottle their own wine, rather than distilling it all to produce Armagnac. The fourth-generation estate is currently run by Nadège, and her brother, Sylvain, who were recent given control by their parents, Jean-Claude and Aline. Together, the brother and sister team manage both the vineyards and the winemaking process. The Fontan estate production is 5% Armagnac, 80% white wine, and only 15% red. Their vines are situated on boulbènes soil, the very fine and silty, alluvial-clay soil that is found throughout the region. The siblings are dedicated to "feeding the ground so that it feeds future generations."

The Domaine La Taste Côtes de Gascogne Rouge, a blend of 70% Tannat and 30% Merlot, pours a light ruby red. On the nose, fresh red fruit aromas of raspberry and cherry leap out of the glass with undertones of tea leaf and woodland spice. This Gascogne rouge is light in body, but the Tannat provides it with wonderfully-textured tannins. There is a subtle spiciness and mineral flavor that combine with the fresh fruit flavors to create a wine that flows effortlessly across the palate. The Domaine La Taste has a bucolic charm that is irresistible and reminds me of being outside in the vineyards. Enjoy with a vegetable and beef stew or with a strip steak seasoned with sea salt and and cracked black pepper.