Part of the family-owned Jeanjean group, Rigal has been producing wine in the Cahors region for over 250 years and has now launched "The Original Malbec 2007".
The winemaker uses 100% Malbec and two vinification methods - one for the grapes from the clay limestone plateaux that have thicker skins and pips high in tannins, and another for the fleshier grapes that come from vines on the alluvial terraces of the Lot valley.
For both methods, the wine is chilled rapidly to 8¡C at the end of fermentation to conserve the aromas and flavours. Fifty per cent of the wine is oak aged: half of this in French oak for six months and the remaining half on staves for six months. The remaining 50% is vat-aged.
The result, says the producer, is a wine true to the grape variety and a pure expression of Malbec with aromas of blackberries, cherries, plums and spices, and well-balanced with supple tannins, a touch of vanilla and a clean, long finish.
To buy it, call
Enotria Winecellars
020 8963 4820