From 2002 onwards, the Alain Chabanon estate will be certified organic, and it will switch entirely to biodynamic viticulture in 2011. Originally, in 1992, the Domaine Alain Chabanon winery was located in Montpeyroux, but Alain Chabanon recently inaugurated its new underground facilities in Lagamas. Quality is the watchword at Domaine Chabanon, both in the vineyard (healthy viticulture and low yields) and in the cellar (the great vintages are matured for up to 3 years). The wines are highly accomplished and have an uncommon capacity for ageing (15 years or more). L'Esprit de Fontcaude is the flagship cuvée of the Alain Chabanon estate, made from 45% Syrah, 45% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. With 5 weeks' maceration and 36 months' ageing, including 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine combines finesse and length, with a dense garnet-purple colour and a fragrance of macerated fruit and coffee. Full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with very fine tannins, this wine is well worth waiting a few years for, and can be kept for at least 10 years without fading. The Cuvée Merle aux Alouettes in IGP Pays d'Oc is a rare and surprising 100% Merlot, with an almost black colour. The nose reveals fresh, intense notes of black fruit, spices and liquorice with a discreet hint of vanilla. On the palate, the attack is round, full and powerful, underpinned by elegant black fruit aromas. The tannins are generous but well blended, and the full, warm finish offers good ageing potential. Alain Chabanon's cuvée Les Boissières is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The nose is fairly intense, dominated by notes of cherries in brandy. The palate is full-bodied, with the Grenache leaving its mark with notes of stone fruit and liquorice. Domaine Alain Chabanon also offers Saut de Côte, a cuvée of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, which is unique because wines with a majority of Mourvèdre are quite rare in the Languedoc. The wine is fine and smooth, classy, silky and complex, and has been matured in ovoid vats. Finally, in the white Languedoc, Alain Chabanon's Cuvée Trelans is a great white wine for gourmets, made from Vermentino (60%) and Chenin (40%), with a limpid golden colour. Its nose of quince, exotic fruit and vanilla may come as a surprise, but thanks to its superb balance, it combines rich aromas with a fresh, long-lasting palate. Alain Chabanon is one of the Languedoc's leading producers, so his cuvées come highly recommended.
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