Look out for the wines of Vincent Ricard if you see them across the seas. Not far from us here in Noizay we’ve enjoyed a couple of his wines over the Christmas period. The chances of finding a bottle are quite high as around 70% of his production is exported.
Domaine Vincent Ricard is a family domaine based in Thésée with around 28 hectares of south facing vines on the hillsides of the Cher. It has been certified organic since 2016.
The estate is best known for its high quality Sauvignon Blancs but this wine is 100% Malbec or Côt as we call it here in Touraine. Initially fermented in concrete tanks, the wine is then moved to oak barrels for the malo-lactic fermentation. One third is then aged in new, one wine and 2 wine barrels (400L) for 6 months before bottling.
It has that lovely floral characteristic often found on Malbec but in a measured and refined way that makes it hugely drinkable. The tannins are soft and it has a lightness of weight that is very attractive. The lovely red and dark fruit character is complemented by a gorgeous spicy quality that creeps up on you while drinking it.
The price here is around 12€ a bottle.
