Robert & Bernard Plageoles Duras 2015

Robert & Bernard Plageoles Duras is a varietal red from a grape of the French south-west that almost disappeared in the 1960s and is now found essentially only in Gaillac.

Gaillac sits on the river Tarn north-east of Toulouse and is one of the oldest vineyard areas in France, with a stock of native varieties that the Plageoles family has spent decades rescuing. Setting aside their revival of Prunelart and Mauzac Noir, Duras would be the oldest variety still grown in the appellation; thanks in large part to Bernard Plageoles' lobbying it is now the most widely planted of Gaillac's traditional reds. This wine comes from a parcel of forty-year-old goblet-trained vines on the limestone and clay of Cahuzac-sur-Vère. As with everything from the domaine the yields are very low, the fruit is hand-harvested and the winemaking is deliberately plain: spontaneous fermentation, a single pump-over, a year in cement tank, then bottling without fining or filtration. Duras gives a darker, more savoury and animal wine than Braucol, with a wild edge and firm tannins that are typical of the variety.

It is ready to drink and will hold for several years; serve at 16-18°C with cassoulet, duck confit or grilled sausages.

*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.