Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Since 1994, the de Conti family has farmed their vineyard organically, with nearly 130 acres across three vineyards. Their basic Bergerac red is a blend of merlot and malbec off calcareous soils in Agen, fermented and aged in a mix of stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels. It’s spicy and pleasantly herbal, with velvety tannins that lend a gentle firmness to the red raspberry and purple plum flavors. It leaves a fresh feel, making this a versatile red to drink now or cellar for a few years.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Offering the perfect balance of quality and value, Southwest, France is a recognized appellation that encompasses all wine regions in France’s southwestern corner (except for Bordeaux and Cognac, which merit their very own). Two of the more famous subregions here are Cahors, known for its Malbec, and Madiran, home of the robust Tannat grape. Bordeaux Blends are also popular red wines of the Southwest; Petit Manseng is the regions’s star autochthonous white variety.