Alain Chabanon - Le Merle aux Alouettes 2015
17/20
Bettane & Desseauve
One of the estate's great reds. Grown on the Mas Garrigou plot, the vines thrive on exceptional soil composed of rounded pebbles on a bed of pure clay. Its natural character and vibrant qualities are immediately appealing. It offers aromas of spices, empyreumatic notes, lavender, and ripe fruit, with a lovely freshness on the finish.
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Eye
Deep black dress
Nose
Aromas of licorice, thyme, and forest floor
Mouth
Full-bodied and smooth, with a beautiful structure and notes of dark fruit (morello cherry, plum) and chocolate.
Serve
Decant and serve at 15-17°C.
Open
At least 2 hours before
Drink before
2029
Food and wine pairings
Serve with roast chicken, truffle purée, duck confit, grilled porcini mushrooms, veal shank casserole...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated 17/20 (2014 vintage) (Reference wine)
Winery rated 1*Star (A serious, recommendable production, consistent with what one would expect from its appellation(s))
About the estate:
Settling in Montpeyroux in 1992, after spending time at Château Montus and in Corsica, Alain Chabanon also cultivates plots in Jonquières, Saint-André, Lagamas, and Saint-Saturnin. A pioneer among organic winemakers, Alain is one of the most refined and exciting winemakers around. Some of his wines have been controversial in the past, but magnificent new facilities have enabled him to take a step forward. The aging process, which remained visible, will evolve significantly with the switch from barrels to casks. Concrete eggs for the Mourvèdres have added freshness. A little more body in the wines would enable the estate to compete in a higher category.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
The son of teachers and an engineer and oenologist, Alain Chabanon acquired vineyards in 1992 in Montpeyroux and the surrounding villages. He built his winery in the middle of his vineyard (17 hectares), which is cultivated organically (certified in 2002) and biodynamically (2011).
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2026 guide) 2 stars (These very large estates, often blessed with fabulous terroirs, are must-haves which, thanks to their consistency and the excellence of their production, deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers).
About the estate:
Alain Chabanon settled on the outskirts of Montpeyroux in 1992 after learning the ropes with Alain Brumont in Madiran and Count Peraldi on the Isle of Beauty. A dedicated and inspired winemaker, he quickly made a name for himself with his hard work in the vineyard and his bold choices in terms of viticulture, blending, and aging. Patience is required for these unadorned and very tactile wines, which are aged in stainless steel, concrete eggs or oak casks and bottled late after maturing. The overall impression is accurate and precise, with exemplary management of terroir expressions and ripeness. We salute the work that has been done and the assertive personality of each of the wines.
Customer rating
4.3/5
based on 3 reviews
Review and opinion by Mr. CLAUDE H. Published on 03/16/2023
Patience is required for this fine wine, which is always served too early.
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Note and opinion by Mr. RONAN L. Published on 06/01/2022
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Review and opinion by Ms. JACQUELINE L. Published on 11/11/2019
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