If you aren't yet acquainted with the Côtes du Marmandais, you're in the right place! Elian Da Ros was the one of the first wine makers to leave the area's cooperative in 1997, when he struck out on his own to make wine on his own terms. The appellation now counts 8 producers among its number and has begun to see some real success. Not far from Bordeaux, this region in the South-West is distinguished by its climate, its terroirs and its grape varieties, most notably Abouriou. Our wine maker is the grandson of an Italian migrant who came to France when farms were in need of labourers, and the family gradually bought their own land. Elian's father dedicated himself to vine-growing, which gave Elian a taste for that world from an early age. He formed his desire to make wine soon after and this goal never left him. Trained at Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace, he returned to the family land in 1997. He left the cooperative, buying some new vines and selling others, before building his winery. His wines very quickly made their way to the top of the appellation, flavoursome and characterised by beautiful fruit.

This wine is made of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Abouriou and Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown in a single, south-facing parcel. The vines are planted in clay-chalk soil. Since Domaine Elian Da Ros is certified in organics and biodynamics, the work carried out in both the vineyard and the winery is meticulous and careful. After three weeks of harvesting, the grapes are sorted for a second time once they arrive in the winery. The Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are totally destemmed, and the Abouriou is vatted in whole bunches. Each variety is then vinified and matured separately in order for each one to best express itself before blending. Maturation takes 22 months, often followed by some months in the bottle. This cuvée is a veritable cellaring wine, and you’ll want to decant it if you wish to enjoy it in its youth. It is an aromatic and structured wine with a fresh and perfumed finish.