PRODUCER: Château Mignan
REGION: Minervois, France
FOUNDER/WINEMAKER: Christian Mignard
Minervois is one of the best known appellations in the south of France, traditionally home to great value red wines that combine attractive dark fruit flavours with robust structure and rustic charm. In the heart of the region is the sub-zone (and fully fledged appellation in its own right) of Minervois-la-Lavinière, where the steep slopes and clay limestone soils provide optimal conditions for cultivating Grenache, Syrah and Carignan.
WINERY HISTORY
This area is home to Château Mignan, an organically farmed 12ha estate founded in 2006 by vigneron and winemaker Christian Mignard. Owning vines in both Minervois and its sub-appellations, the past two decades have seen Christian establish an enviable reputation for producing wines that are elegant and expertly balanced, yet concentrated and full of rustic personality.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The wines of Mignan benefit from the incredible terroir of Minervois and their gentle treatment in the winery, where gentle extraction and older oak barrels are used in the vinification of the regular Minervois cuvée. This results in a delicious, fresh and bright wine with lovely dark fruit, savoury, and meaty notes reminiscent of herb-crusted lamb right out of the oven. There is no hint of confection on this Syrah-Grenache blend, aged for a few month in French oak barrels, and its perfect to drink on its own. Even better with grilled red meat.
GRAPE VARIETIES
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
