Alain Chabanon - Terrasses du Larzac Campredon 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

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.

Decanter

About wine:

It is open and ready to please, fragrant and fruity on the nose. The aromas and texture are reminiscent of crushed petals: floral, delicate, and very sweet. Its character is lively and vibrant, with lots of red fruit and raspberry coulis. Elegant, but not closed, it is easy to appreciate and savor in all its subtlety.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

All the freshness of the appellation is present in this invigorating, elegant red, skillfully vinified, which delivers a very distinctive palette of licorice, menthol, and fruit (blackcurrant and cherry). More spicy notes slip into an airy, soft, smooth palate, carried by just the right amount of powdery tannins. With its immaculate freshness, it is a fine ambassador for the appellation.

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

About wine:

The juicy and fresh Campredon expresses notes of zan and anise, as well as a hint of pepper.

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.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Remarkably clear for an MSG blend, and also remarkably fragrant. No overripeness or over-extraction here! It is beautifully composed, playing the sweetness card with great care, and waltzing gracefully with tea leaf-scented tannins. Cinnamon, red plum, cooked strawberry, dried cherry covered with rosemary and sage. Nothing flashy here, just a wine that speaks of its terroir.

James Suckling

About wine:

A fruity, juicy, and full-bodied blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache. On the nose, aromas of cherries, red berries and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, this wine has a delicate texture, a pleasant cherry character and a savory, peppery finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes certified by Demeter. Ready to drink or cellar.