"Cuvée Moutoué Fardet" AOC Madiran 2001

Vineyards

Clos Fardet is a family-owned estate situated in the village of Madiran, in the South-West of France. The vineyards are located on gently rolling hills with soils rich in clay and limestone, providing an ideal environment for the Tannat grape variety. The region benefits from an Atlantic influence, with relatively mild winters, hot summers, and dry sunny autumns, ensuring optimal ripening conditions.

Winemaking

The 2001 vintage was produced using traditional methods, with manual harvesting to ensure careful selection of the best grapes. Fermentation took place in open vats with manual punch-downs to extract colour and tannins. The wine was then aged in oak barrels to enhance its structure and complexity, allowing it to develop over time into a wine of depth and character.

Appearance

Originally deep garnet, this wine has developed brick-red hues with age, reflecting its evolution and maturity.

Nose

Aromas of dark berries such as blackberry and blackcurrant, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, sweet spices, and vanilla. With extended ageing, additional layers of leather, tobacco, and earthy nuances have emerged, adding further complexity.

Palate

Full-bodied and structured, with tannins that have softened over time, allowing for a more rounded and harmonious profile. Flavours of ripe dark fruits blend with savoury spice, subtle oak, and earthy undertones. The wine retains good acidity, ensuring balance and a long, elegant finish.

Food pairing

This mature Madiran pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as roasted or grilled red meats, slow-cooked game, and aged cheeses. It is also well suited to traditional southwestern French cuisine, including cassoulet or duck confit, which complement its rich and layered character.

Background story

Clos Fardet has a winemaking tradition spanning over four generations. In 1998, following a family succession, the estate was officially named Clos Fardet. The 2001 vintage, known as "Cuvée Moutoué Fardet," was crafted from old Tannat vines planted in 1961 by Eugène Moutoué Fardet. The wine was vinified using traditional methods in a historic open-top fermenter with an integrated press, dating back to 1923, reflecting the estate’s commitment to preserving ancestral winemaking techniques.

For optimal enjoyment, it is recommended to decant the wine before serving, allowing it to breathe and fully express its complexity. Given its age, it should be consumed soon to appreciate its developed flavours at their peak.