Montsablé, Reserve Pinot Noir, IGP Haute Vallée de L'Aude, France, 2024

Producer Profile

The wines of Terres Fidèles are designed to express the spirit of this extraordinary place – old-vine Grenache, Carignan, Malbec, Cinsault, Viognier and more.

All are authentically crafted, small-batch wines of the wilds. As Fergal Tynan MW, founder, explains: “Over the last two decades, we’ve been creating wines in the wilds of south-western France – embarking on adventures; exploring, discovering and rediscovering remarkable places and vineyard sites. From the foothills and valleys beneath the iconic Pyrenees, out through the gorges to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, we’ve journeyed with our friends – exceptional growers who excel at their craft and have an inherent respect for the land that they and theirs are a part of. It is these people and places that inspire our winemaking.”

Viticulture

Montsablé Réserve represents the finest expression of site selection within the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, one of the coolest wine-growing regions in southern France. Elevated vineyards, coupled with the refreshing influence of the Atlantic-born Vent Cers, create an exceptional environment for producing wines of precision and elegance. The combination of altitude, a cool climate and limestone-rich soils yields fruit of outstanding quality, marked by purity, freshness and complexity. From this remarkable terroir, Montsablé Réserve is crafted to showcase finesse, balance and a true sense of place.

Winemaking

Burgundian methods are used for the vinification with a gentle extraction by punch-down of the cap. Low temperature vatting (24°C) to preserve the fragile and subtle notes of the Pinot Noir. The wine is barrel aged in a selection of barrels (aged for 6 months in French new oak, 1, 2 and 3 yr old) before blending to produce a Pinot Noir of class, texture and weight.

Tasting Note

Bursting with the enticing aromas of dark cherry and blackberry, this wine delights the senses with a smooth, rounded palate of ripe red berry fruits. Subtle notes of toasty vanilla add depth and warmth, while a hint of spice lingers beautifully on the finish – a perfectly balanced expression of richness and elegance.

Food matching

Beautiful drinking on its own or with game, robust fish or slow cooked stews.