Wine Wednesday - Chateau de Gaudou

It's been a few weeks since my last Wine Wednesday post! But, I've been meaning to share this wine for a while. Last summer Kent and I went to Charleston for our first anniversary. Our favorite restaurant there was La Fourchette, a small French restaurant (http://lafourchettecharleston.com/). We highly recommend it to everyone!!! With dinner we ordered a Chateau de Gaudou wine, their Malbec/Merlot/Tannat 2005. It was so wonderful! This vineyard is in southwestern France. This is the area of France where the Malbec grape originated before it was transported to Argentina about 150 years ago. Argentina is probably more famous now for its Malbec than France.

This particular wine may be difficult to find in the US. The sources I have seen says that it can be found at anywhere from $10-35 depending on the vintage year. The best way to buy it would probably be to order it on-line. I found this article written about the vineyard just three weeks ago if you are interested in learning more - http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/chateau-de-gaudou-brings-new-wines-us-z193. Or visit the vineyard's website - http://www.chateaudegaudou.com/. The vineyard has been owned and operated by the Durou family for over 200 years. Most of the reviews I read said that this wine is smooth with many fruity flavors. It is best served with heavy meat dishes or cheese. Many say that adding the Merlot helps to "round out the tannins" found in the Malbec so that it become softer. Also, it is suggested that this wine rests for several years because of the strong tannins, which are characteristic of this and other Cahors wines. Cahors wines are those grown in this specific region of southwest France that are made of the combination of malbec, merlot, and tannat grapes. Let me know if you are able to find this wine - it is a wonderful buy!