Our friends the Laplace family have always been innovators, combining technology with tradition when making their Chateau d’Aydie Madiran. Happily, the next generation seem to be carrying on the mantle – developing a new range of wines which combine a sense of fun with the family’s commitment to quality.
We loved the labels when they first presented them. However, we don’t sell labels, we had to like what was in the bottle just as much. Having tasted the range, we absolutely do. Made by the Laplace youngsters, these are easy drinking yet distinctive wines which combine the flavours and character of the local grapes, Tannat and Manseng, with style and joie de vivre. Vins de Soif, wines for when you are thirsty, as the French say. They will be brilliant for drinking this summer, perfectly at home with a barbecue or a picnic, and as delicious as they are stylish.
We also have new vintages of their parents’ wines, the white, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, and the red, Madiran l’Origine. Those of you who bought previous vintages will know how good these are – if you haven’t tried them yet then don’t delay, they are excellent.
The Wines
Le Vilain Petit Canard 2018
£13.95
If you haven’t tried Manseng, you should – they might be some of the best grapes no one has ever heard of! The palate is balanced between crisp acidity and a rich texture, with refreshing citrus, notes of passion fruit and a lovely orange peel bitterness on the finish. Delicious, perfect for drinking outside in the garden.
Les 3 Petits Cochons Rose
£13.95
100% Tannat, pressed in the vineyard to ensure a light colour and elegant body. Pale pink, flavours of strawberry and cranberry, zesty acidity, fresh and delicious. There’s a core of concentrated fruit though, and a hint of tannin. A fantastic alternative to Provence. No huffing, no puffing, just great drinking. Invite the wolf in for a glass or two!
Les 2 Vaches Rouges 2018
£14.95
100% Tannat, made to show the grape’s juicy, red fruited and floral personality. Still plenty of body though, this has rich damson fruit and fine, grippy tannins which make it ideal for matching with BBQ of all shapes and sizes, not just beef!
Ode d’Aydie Pacherenc du Vic Bilh 2019
£17.95
40% Gros Manseng, 60% Petit Manseng grown on south-west facing gravelly slopes. Elegant, layered and refined, showing orange and peach flavours, fresh acidity with a touch of salinity, alongside exotic fruit and a mineral streak on the finish. A great seafood choice.
Chateau Aydie Madiran l’Origine 2017
£14.95
Madiran used to be known for hulking great reds which took forever to soften. A shame, because in the right hands Tannat, the local grape, can produce wines with wild hedgerow aromatics and cool, structured fruit. L’Origine blends 20% of Cabernet Franc in to further soften the wine. Cracking value here, a must try.
The Famille Laplace
