Malbec! The other Loire Vally Red

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Domaine Pré Baron in the Touraine. It didn’t take long for you to snap up all of the delicious, fresh, everyday Sauvignon Blanc we offered. So here’s something else from our new friend Lionel Gosseaume - a juicy, fresh, and brilliant Loire red, packed with bright red fruit and silky tannins. No, not a Cabernet Franc. It's...

Malbec: The Loire Valley's Other Red Wine

Malbec is a well-traveled grape - it can be found in interesting pockets of the winegrowing world. It made a big splash decades ago as Argentina’s wine industry went international, with big jammy, high-alcohol reds hitting our shores. Before that, it took hold in Cahors, France, where the English dubbed it “Black Wine” for its inky appearance. It also has a place as a blending grape in Bordeaux. But even before all the Châteaux in Bordeaux were established, Malbec, known locally as Côt (pronounced "Koh"), was growing in the Loire Valley.

Winemaker Lionel Gosseaume is not only carrying on the legacy of his mentor and friend as he assumes ownership of Domaine Pré Baron, he’s also embracing the heritage of diverse grape varieties in the Loire. In contrast to those bombastic and ponderous Malbecs coming out of Argentina years ago, Lionel is crafting Côt with verve; like the rest of his wines, and so many you find in the Loire, this Malbec is bright and with inviting fruit, mouthwatering acidity, and supple tannins.

Most of what we tasted at the Domaine back in July was focused on their whites. It is largely what they are known for. But there were a few reds that day, and boy, this Malbec was just too tasty to not order.Before leaving, we begged for anything we could get of this one and managed just 5 cases to add to our load. It's all yours--have at!

Domaine Pré Baron

Touraine Malbec 2022

Thats right: 100% Malbec, known by the locals as Côt. On the nose you get ripe notes of fresh cherries and raspberries, followed by supple tannins and a nervy acidity. Another refreshing and delightfully easy to drink wine for your next meal of roast chicken, anything with wild mushrooms, or just a simple platter of cheese.