Domaine Plageoles Gaillac Contre Pied 2019

Contre Pied is a carbonic-macerated Duras from Gaillac, made deliberately against the grain of the variety's rustic reputation.

Gaillac, on the Tarn north-east of Toulouse, is one of the oldest vineyard areas in France and holds a collection of local grapes found almost nowhere else. The Plageoles family have spent three generations recovering those varieties, and Duras is among the region's traditional reds. To be contre-pied is to be diametrically opposed to something, and Florent Plageoles took the view that Duras would take to the Beaujolais treatment; the cuvée has since become a mainstay of the range. The fruit comes from a block of clay and limestone soil at Cahuzac-sur-Vère, farmed organically. Winemaking is a short carbonic maceration followed by six months in concrete tank, with no oak at any stage. The result is crunchy and sappy — red fruit, tensile acidity and soft grainy tannin around a plump, cherry-like weight, with a little dark chocolate and spice filling out the frame.

Drink over the next two or three years. Serve cool, around 16°C, with charcuterie, roast chicken or a plate of cured ham.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.