Domaine la Calmette 'Trespotz' Vin de France 2021

Maya and Nicolas at Domaine la Calmette are among Cahors’ most exciting producers, infusing a vibrance, energy, and elegance into their wines that sets them apart from the dense, tannic bottlings traditionally associated with the region. Their 4 hectares of organically and biodynamically farmed grapes (almost all malbec) are situated on iron-rich red clay and marl soils over Kimmeridgian bedrock - the same bedrock Chablis is famous for. ‘Trespotz’ is the Occitan name for Maya and Nicolas’ village, and this cuvée is a blend of different terroirs from the area. 2021 saw copious rainfall and lower temperatures than previous years, and Maya and Nicolas decided to do mostly whole cluster vinification for this cooler, fresher vintage - a technique not allowed by the Cahors AOC, hence the Vin de France classification for 2021. On the palate lip-smacking blackberry and blueberry and hints of spice mingle together in inky, juicy accord. Rather than heavy-handed tannin, the structure here is provided by a fabulous backbone of minerality, encompassing both the saline, stony energy of the Kimmeridgian bedrock as well as sanguinous, umami notes of the iron-rich clay. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low-intervention/natural wine.