Château les Croisille --' Le Croizillon' Malbec

Little known fun fact: France is the birthplace of Malbec! Unlike their Argentinian cousin, the French Malbecs are much dryer, earthier, tannic, and intense. I love this particular one because it is on the lighter side of the spectrum and therefore is more versatile than a big heavy earthy red.

The Croisille family started their adventure in 1979 when Cécile and Bernard decided to move from the city to the countryside of Fages, near the town of Luzech. Starting from scratch, they brought renewed life to a parcel of land that had been neglected for years. 40 years later and it’s still a family operation; their two sons Germain and Simon have since joined the team.

Grape: Malbec 100%

Region: Cahors, France

Farming: Organic, hand harvested, vines planted in 1980s on the limestone plateau of Gages and the 2nd terrace of Luzech

Winery: Short maceration, partial carbonic maceration, fermented with wild yeast in concrete, aged 6 months in stainless & concrete, minimal SO2/filtration, zero additives