When you think of Bordeaux’ Blaye appellation, Malbec might not be what comes to mind first. But when a respected Château of the region that also crafts wines from the region’s most traditional grapes—Merlot and Cabernet Franc—chooses to make a 100% Malbec and declare it a “Grand Vin,” perhaps it’s time to take notice of Malbec in Blaye.
Wine Enthusiast certainly took notice when it scored 2019 Château Montfollet Pegase Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux 92 points, exclaiming the wine “proves the success of Malbec in Blaye.”
Malbec is one of the five noble grape varieties of Bordeaux. While other estates use it as a blending agent, Montfollet chooses to highlight the greatness of Malbec in the Blaye terroir. If you love Malbec from Argentina, you owe it yourself to know and taste this Icon of a wine from its spiritual home in Bordeaux.
Château Montfollet is located in the heart of Blaye’s best terroirs, on the slopes overlooking the Gironde Estuary, not too far from prestigious Margaux Crus. The soils where Montfollet’s prized parcels of Malbec grow are rich in clay-gravelly and clay-limestone. Pegase is a special reserve wine from that Malbec, a celebration of 10 years of work and experience. It is the real deal.
Montfollet has belonged to the Raimond family for three generations. At the helm now is Dominique Raimond, a passionate winegrower known as the “man who makes Malbec sing.” His family are legendary vignerons. Dominique vinifies Montfollet’s wines at Châteaux Solidaires, where the winemaking area and cellar are equipped with top-notch and innovative technology, in order to produce extremely high-quality wines.
Before those grapes ever see the modern cellar, they are cared for with sustainable practices. Respect is given to the surrounding fauna and flora, ensuring a healthy biodiversity. The 148-acres of vineyards are certified HEV Level 3, a French certification that guarantees a farm's high level of environmental performance.
When it’s time to harvest, grapes are picked plot by plot, so each plot is picked at its optimal ripeness. The result is a Malbec with “Excellent length. Polished and delicious,” according James Suckling, who echoes Wine Enthusiasts 92 points. WE is also impressed with how the “big, dark, and powerful” wine is.
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