Tradition 2021
Malepère AOP
Domaine Girard was set up beginning of the 20th century in Alaigne and has seen four generations of winegrowers tend its vines.
The last one to come in is Philippe, who joined his father end of 1999. They then decided to bottle their production and their first vintage was 2000.
On the South side of the Massif de la Malepère, this Estate grows 25 hectares of varietals among which merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, cot, pinot noir and chardonnay.
The village of Alaigne stands against the « cuesta » that is the natural border of the area of appellation Malepère. Here the vineyards reach an altitude of 350 meters.
The Estate sits on 25 hectares of various varietals, including a small and interesting Pinot Noir vineyard that would not be expected here.
The soils are mainly clay and silt, with some gravels on top of the hills.
The Estate operates mostly with natural treatments (agriculture raisonnée).
The vineyard is called « Champ du Noyer » and faces Southeast, at an altitude of 300 metres.
The vines are 22 years old. Harvesting is manual, grapes are brought in in flat boxes to prevent crushing.
The harvest is totally destemmed. Maceration lasts 4 to 5 days under low temperature (8-10°C). Fermentation is traditional with daily pumping over the cap.
Maturing is done in stainless vats. The wine undergoes no treatment prior to bottling.
Serve at 16 / 18°C.
This powerful wine deserves to be opened 1 to 2 hours before pouring. It will match healthy foods like the local « cassoulet » or meat dishes.