Estate bottled
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.
Plot of land about ten years old, exposed on a hillside facing North-West at an altitude of 350 m. Clay and silt soils, pebbles on one part.
Harvesting is done by hand at optimum maturity, and transport is done in small skips to limit crushing. Yield of around 4000 to 4500 kg/ha (30 to 35 hl/ha).
Total destemming, maceration for 6 to 7 days at low temperature (8-10°), fermentation in open vats with regular pumping over and punching of the cap.
Fermentation for 3 weeks, soft pressing with juice selection, ageing 8 to 10 months in 500 L barrels.
Serve at 17 / 18°C.
cherry red colour, harmonious, silky wine, ripe and full pinot character, good intensity. Cellaring potential of 3 to 5 years. This well-balanced wine will accompany poultry and white meats.