Our Madiran Winemakers

The practice of restricted yields for Madiran and St Monts results in well structured and concentrated wines. The following are all prominent winemakers and all are our suppliers. The ancient Appellation Madiran was effectively revived by the Laplace family at Chateau d'Aydie, Patrick Doucournau at Chapelle Lenclos has been an innovator with the introduction of "micro-oxygenation", Alain Brumont at Chateau Montus has been the perfectionist, whilst Didier Barré at Domaine Berthoumieu has been the young perfectionist who has really made a name for Madiran wines of great style over recent years.  Producers Plaimont is a co-operative of quality focused growers producing a range of Madiran, Cotes de St Mont and Vin de Pays red and white wines.

In 1991 Alain Brumont has declared French winemaker of the decade for the 80’s. Alain is also the largest winemaker in the Madiran. He owns about 140 hectares or 10% of the Madiran vineyards.

On our visit to the region in May 2007 we visited them all and saw first-hand the care and passion they have for their quality wines and the manner in which they are produced.

AOC Madiran wines are rich full-bodied reds of great concentration to enjoy with food. Less sweet and higher in acidity than new world wines, these are powerful wines with a good balance of fruit and subtle new French oak. Made with at least 40% Tannat grapes and often 100%, Tannat is a quality grape variety that gives wines with a touch of cedar wood, cigar, leather, spices, dark berries and plums, and refined tannins. Using modern production techniques they are also producing new styles that are softer and less tannic, but which still retain the healthy qualities they are now famous for. The joyful local whites, both dry and sweet, are made from other grape varieties.

Our Madiran winemakers are Domaine Berthoumieu, Vignobles Brumont , Vignobles Laplace and Producteurs Plaimont