Château Peyros, 'Héritage', 2021, Madiran (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A modern, polished take on Madiran – blackcurrant, plum and violet with smoky spice, supple tannins and plenty of dark-fruited depth.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass, with generous aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum and dark cherry joined by violet, spice and a subtle smoky note. The palate is full and juicy, with Tannat providing structure and dark fruit while Cabernet Franc brings lift, perfume and a softer edge. There is plenty of concentration, but the tannins are rounded rather than aggressive, giving the wine a surprisingly supple feel for Madiran. Hints of liquorice, pepper and gentle oak add savoury complexity through the middle. Rich yet balanced on the finish, with dark berries, spice and a lightly smoky note lingering behind.

Country: France
Region: Occitainie
Sub-Region: Madiran AOC
Grape(s): Tannat, Cabernet Franc
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Wine Enthusiast – 89/100

The Story
Château Peyros sits in the Vic-Bilh, at the southern edge of the Madiran appellation, where its steep vineyards rise to around 300 metres and look towards the Pyrenees. The Lesgourgues family took over the estate in 1999 and has since invested heavily in both vineyard and cellar, reshaping Peyros around a more precise, polished expression of Tannat. The soils combine silt, clay and the rounded stones left behind by ancient Pyrenean glacial activity, while the estate’s warm southern exposures help the notoriously firm Tannat reach full ripeness. Héritage is designed as the more approachable face of Peyros, pairing Tannat’s depth and structure with the fragrance and freshness of Cabernet Franc, followed by around twelve months’ ageing with a modest proportion of new oak.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled lamb koftas with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Baked celeriac with wild mushrooms, thyme and hazelnuts
- Vegan: Lentil and mushroom bourguignon with thyme and pearl onions