Pure Negrette and Malbec from France

I do not come across many wines from South-West France and when I do they are typically from Cahors.  But speckled throughout my blog you will find individual wines from various regions such as 2008 Domaine du Cros from Marcillac, 2010 Domaine Philemon from Gaillac, and 2005 Clos Fardet from Madiran.  All of these wines share the same importer Wine Traditions Ltd of Falls Church, Virginia.  They also import the first wine featured in today’s post.  For the second time in one year Phil has carried a wine from Chateau Bellevue La Foret in Fronton.  Last year I enjoyed a bottle of the 2010 Rose.  This past week I enjoyed the 2008 Ce Vin.  This cuvee is pure Negrette and was originally created to accompany the food of retired Chef Andre Daguin at his hotel-restaurant.  The fruit is sourced from two parcels one which is very stoney and the other which is more sandy.  The estate was purchased from Patrick Germain by Philip Grant in 2008.  In looking at the website it appears that last vintage of Ce Vin was produced in 2009.  I really enjoyed this bottle and recommend you try one.  It shows what I imagine is good varietal character, developed over two nights, and is just flat-out good tasting.  I think it should also open up with short-term cellaring.  It is also $11.

Anne de Joyeuse started off as a cave to vinify wines from Limoux and the Upper Aude valley in 1929.  This is a new producer for me and one that pleasantly surprised me.  It is the more generous of the two wines and becomes almost lush with its ripe, sweet fruit.   I like the wine but could not have more than a full glass.  That written it is certainly worth a try if my description sounds attractive.  These wines are available at MacArthur Beverages.

2008 Chateau Bellevue La Foret, Ce Vin, Fronton – $11
Imported by Wine Traditions Ltd.  This wine is 100% Negrette.  Alcohol 13%.  The color is a medium dark black cherry.  The light nose is gently scented.  In the mouth there are black and purple flavors which are a touch grapey before taking on tartness. There is a little concentration as the wine progresses in a linear fashion.  There is controlled ripeness, good flavor, and subtle minerals to this distinct wine.  The flavors become blacker with air.  There are sweet, spiced, drying tannins in the finish.  It has a certain lightness.  **(*) Now-2020.

2011 Anne de Joyeuse, Malbec, Original, IGP Pays d’Oc – $12
Imported by Oslo Enterprise.  This wine is 100% Malbec which was fermented in tank then aged for six months in French oak barrels.  Alcohol 13.5%.  The color is a light to medium grapey ruby.  The light now reveals low-lying ripe fruit which becomes scented with air.  In the mouth there is somewhat tart cranberry-blueberry fruit supported by underlying ripe and sweet blue fruit.  It picks up a little concentration and weight in the middle then some black fruit comes out.  It is a rather complete wine but there is no great depth.  ** Now-2018