Cuvée Néri 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 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 hills roll in successive terraces, covered with a thick layer of gravel and rolled stones. The altitude and the climate make it possible to harvest very ripe grapes with that typical taste of Malepère.
The parcel called : « Champ du Noyer » is clay and silt, with thick gravel at the bottom of the slope.
Harvest is done at peak of ripeness. Grapes are collected in flat crates to prevent crushing.
The grapes are totally destemmed and undergo a short (4 to 5 days) maceration at low temperature (8 – 10°C).
Fermentation is traditional in vats, with daily pumping over the cap. 75% of the wine matures in 500 liters new oak casks. It undergoes no treatment prior to bottling and might show a light sediment after some years cellaring.
Serve at 17 / 18°C.
It is advisable to open this wine 1 to 2 hours before serving.
A complex and powerful wine which suits rich dishes like hare or wild boar stews.