BACKGROUND HISTORY
The cultivation of vines has been around for a very long time in the Madiran region. However, its history really began in the 11th century with the arrival of the Benedictine monks. They created a monastery for Sainte-Marie de Madiran. At that time, the grapes bore fruit and could be cultivated without any problems. The resulting wine is particularly resistant and for this reason, it is transported and then used in blends in other wine regions during complicated vintages.
It was shortly to be nicknamed "vin de curé" or more commonly "vin de messe", since it was the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela who advertised it. The wine is then black, rough and thick. It is also associated with Pyrenean shepherds because of its rusticity.
In the 20th century, Madiran wines underwent several reforms. Tannat, the king grape variety of the appellation, was much more difficult to cultivate than before, and Bordeaux Cabernets appeared on the territory. They are thus blended with Tannat in order to "improve" the final product. The Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes bring more suppleness and fruit. Later, the mastery of oak barrel ageing would allow the production of 100% Tannat wines again.
THE ART OF TAMING TANNINS
While maturing in oak barrels has made it possible to round out the tannins of Madiran wine to make it more accessible, another technique is also used. Micro-oxygenation consists of introducing tiny, controlled doses of oxygen into the wine. This technique has been used in the AOC since 1999 and allows the tannins to be controlled, thus ensuring that the wine can be consumed younger. The full potential of the grape variety is also enhanced by this technique.
THREE CATEGORIES OF CUVEE.
Cœur de game (Core range) : Also called "Madiran Tradition". These wines are the result of a blend of Tannat and Cabernet grapes. A minimum of one year's maturation in vats is compulsory. Some of the wine may be aged in oak barrels. The Cœur de Gamme wines are intense, fresh and fruity.
Haut de game (Top of the range): The Haut de Gamme cuvées are true gourmet wines. Aged in oak barrels for several months, they can be enjoyed with characterful dishes. The Tannat grape variety is dominant in these vintages and single grape varieties are frequent. The resulting wines are powerful, elegant and marked by secondary and tertiary aromas of toast, spices and leather.
Cuvées de prestige (Prestigious Cuvées) : These are exceptional wines! They are true ambassadors of the appellation, reflecting the characteristics of the finest Madiran terroirs.
DID YOU KNOW?
Due to the characteristics of the Tannat grape variety, Madiran wines have a high content of anthocyanins (responsible for the intense red colour), polyphenols and antioxidants, the latter playing an essential role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This makes Madiran the most tannic wine in France!
In 2007, the British author Roger Corder published his book "The Wine Diet", in which he revealed the results of an interesting scientific study. He shows that the life expectancy of people in the Gers is higher than elsewhere, as the region has a higher proportion of people over the age of 75. The high consumption of fresh produce in this region would explain this feat, but not only! The moderate consumption of a glass of Madiran wine per day is also thought to be a factor!
