Domaine Pichard
The sun-drenched vineyards of Domaine Pichard stretch across 23 hectares of dramatic rolling hillside in Madiran, the idyllic heart of southern France. These steep slopes are home to a mosaic of south-facing vines which sit in full view of the Pyrénées mountain range, surrounded by beautiful oak trees and bucolic woodland. Certified organic in 2015 and trialing biodynamic methods since 2019, this estate works in true harmony with its glorious surroundings to create a range of wines that are as lovely as their origins promise.
The family-owned business is managed by Rod Cork (surely a strong contender for the best name in winemaking), who is originally from Dorset but a Francophile at heart, having lived in France since 1984. A former solicitor, Rod became the co-owner of Domaine Pichard in 2005 and has pushed the Domaine forward with great passion and tenacity in partnership with his brother-in-law and business partner, Jean Sentilles.
Pacherenc De Vic Bilh
60% Petit Manseng, 40% Gros Manseng Simple, straightforward vinification at its best - a steady temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is followed by 8 months in French oak. The result is a buoyant, deliciously aromatic white with plenty of citric freshness and balance.
Signature Madiran
55% Tannat, 45% Cabernet Franc Meticulously chosen from individual plots and vinified separately in thermo-regulated concrete tanks, followed by a generous 18 months in French oak and then further ageing in bottle.
'Cuvee Aimé' Madiran
85% Tannat, 15% Cabernet Franc
Individual vineyard plots are harvested and vinified in thermo-regulated concrete tanks, followed by 24 months in French oak and then considerable further ageing in bottle before release.
'Bouchy' Cabernet Franc
100% Cabernet Franc
This delicious red is a textbook, with lashings of aromatic tomato and blackcurrant leaf alongside plenty of earthy cranberry and wild strawberry fruit with an unexpectedly long and decadently silky finish.