DOMAINE DE PELLEHAUT AMPELOMERYX IGP Côtes de Gascogne Red
The latest addition to the Pellehaut range. Introducing Ampéloméryx Rouge, a blend of three grapes: Pinot Noir, Syrah and Malbec, aged in oak for 6 months. With its aromas of ripe red-berried fruits and spices, this Pinot-style wine has taken up a position in the range between Harmonie Rouge and Les Marcottes.
Two brothers, Martin and Mathieu Béraut, tend this family estate, one of the oldest vineyards in the Gers (300 years old). They produce a range of Armagnacs as well as breeding cattle (Blondes d’Aquitaine), all this in harmony with a rich surrounding biodiversity. More recently, they have begun to produce a complete range of fresh, aromatic and easy-to-drink wines which are a pleasure to drink at any time of year. An estate run by two passionate winegrowers which is getting itself talked about more and more. Ampéloméryx has been produced in tribute to the once local, now extinct mammal which was half-deer, half-giraffe. His name means "ruminant of the vineyard". Ampéloméryx has existed as a white wine since the 2005 vintage; now, starting with the 2012 vintage, you can discover Ampéloméryx Red.
The vineyard is situated on three gently rolling hills. The Chardonnay and red varieties are planted on mainly clay-limestone soils but the property also has a proportion of sand and clay, that produces very fine, aromatic whites.
Mechanical pre-pruning, then pruning by hand during the winter, trellising and manual desuckering during the spring, hedging and leaf thinning in the summer. Nocturnal harvesting by machine in early September, with destemming done on the machine. Pre-fermentation cold maceration for 72h. Temperature-controlled fermentation using selected, multiplied yeast. The Pinot Noir is punched down 2-3 times a day during alcoholic fermentation to “gently” extract aromas and colour. Malolactic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Some of the blended wine is aged in new oak for 6 months to stabilise the colour and improve wine structure.
VINTAGE 2014 :
TASTING NOTES - Deep red with purple tints. This young Ampéloméryx has a distinctive nose with smoky, earthy and cherry notes. The palate is light at the attack but gains in intensity to end on a more gamey, deeply earthy note. A rustic wine like the prehistoric animal whose name it bears, and an ideal accompaniment for meat and cheese. Serve between 12°C and 18°C with white meats, barbecued or grilled meats, and cheese.
AGEING - Drink within 5 years after the vintage.
MEDALS & AWARDS - Silver medal - Concours Général Agricole - Paris 2016
