DOMAINES ALAIN BRUMONT, Madiran

Alain Brumont is known as 'Monsieur Madiran', such is the extent of his influence upon this increasingly popular winemaking region of southwest France. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he single-handedly redefined Madiran in the 1980's making the wines of the region some of the most sought-after in the wine world. As you would expect, he owns a number of important estates in the area including Chateau Bouscasse from which this rich and honeyed dessert wine comes. This unctuous sweetie is made predominantly from hand harvested Petit Manseng grapes with a splash of Petit Courbu from 30 year old vines. The resulting wine is aged in new oak barrels for 12 months. 'Brumaire' is know as a Pacherenc de Vic-Bil Doux (meaning simply 'a row of vines from Madiran' in Occitan). 'Brumaire' is also the name for November on the old revolutionary calendar.

A sumptuous golden-yellow in colour. On the nose, aromas of pineapple, lychee, cinnamon and caramelised pears. On the palate, honeyed and soft with further tropical fruit flavours. The acidity is surprisingly fresh and balanced. The finish is intense and lingering. Try as a summer aperitif. Otherwise, superb with foie gras or a chunk of Roquefort cheese.

Grapes:  Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Courbu 

50cl