"Cuvée Spéciale" Lalande de Pomerol AOP 1996

Vineyards

The grapes for this Cuvée Spéciale are sourced from Domaine de Viaud’s organically farmed vineyards in Lalande-de-Pomerol, where the sandy and gravelly soils provide the perfect conditions for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Mediterranean influence and sustainable practices help create a wine with remarkable complexity and ageing potential.

Winemaking

Fermented using traditional methods and aged for 22 months in concrete tanks, this 1996 vintage has developed over the years into a wine with elegance and structure. The blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc delivers a harmonious balance of fruit, tannin, and subtle spice, enhanced by time.

Appearance

A beautiful tile red colour, characteristic of aged wines.

Nose

The nose is complex and fragrant, offering aromas of aged wood, leather, and truffle, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness.

Palate

On the palate, this wine is round and full-bodied, with flavours of dark fruit, leather, and truffle, balanced by smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. The years of ageing have softened the wine, giving it a silky mouthfeel.

Food pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, game, and hearty stews. It also complements aged cheeses and mushroom-based dishes, making it a great choice for refined dining experiences.

Background story

Domaine de Viaud, located in the heart of Lalande-de-Pomerol, is a 13-hectare estate known for its organically farmed vineyards and exceptional Merlot-based wines. Founded in the 1940s by Marius Bielle, the estate has remained in the family for generations, with Lucette Bielle, Marius's youngest daughter, taking over in 1982. Today, the estate is run with a deep respect for tradition, sustainability, and minimal intervention winemaking, producing wines that reflect the true essence of their terroir.

The vineyard’s 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc are planted on sandy and gravelly soils, ideal for producing rich, elegant wines. Domaine de Viaud has achieved AB and Biodyvin certification, with organic farming practices that include natural grass cover and the use of herbal teas and plant decoctions to protect the vines. The estate avoids thermoregulation and filtration in the winemaking process, allowing the wines to age naturally in concrete tanks for 22 months. Damien Bielle, who returned to the estate in 2020, brings fresh insights after working at prestigious Bordeaux estates, continuing the family’s legacy while staying true to its philosophy of producing wines that express the unique character of the Lalande-de-Pomerol terroir.