getting back to natural with Chateau Lassolle

While staying in the Dordogne, we could not decline the invitation of a couple of wine producers that I have admired for a while.

First stop was the enlightening Chateau Lassolle that proves that the best things often come in small packages...... and with a production of only a few thousand bottles this is definitely the case.

Oh and if you haven't worked it out yet, Stephanie is passionately natural and bio! 

Her Chateau modestly overlooks the Marmandais and supports some gnarly vines that make the most characterful wines let alone the label.

All of Stephanie's wines are harvested by hand and made by herself and her bottling machine/assistant (Jean Christophe).  Prior to tasting some of these sensational wines we tasted the latest wines for her remarkable Cabernet Franc and the Petit Lassole from the barrel or tanks to understand the evolution of wine.

In my experience, most tastings you have some dry bread but Stephanie pulled out the saussice, black pudding and the most delicate goats cheese............. it just worked.

The wines were full throttle..... the rose had more "farmyard" than most pinot, the Rouge Qui Tache was a rare find.  From my research, the Abouriou grape is similar to gamay but with a little more tannin and some stronger fruit.  It works sensationally well.

The 2008 Chateau Lassolle and Petit Lassole are fascinating blends that keep evolving in the glass to create a true integration of the darker fruits, leather and herbacious fragrance.

The Petit Lasolle, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Abouriou, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Servadou needs space to breathe and evolve.... and when it does, it offers a wonderful myriad of flavours.

The Cotes du Marmandais is a little more grown up and serious.  The blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec doesn't mess around and would balance a grilled steak or lamb perfectly. Give it time to breathe and the rewards will come.

The rose' was generous with the vineyard flavours and aromas and really needed the goat's cheese and saussice to come alive. I don't imagine this is everyone's bag but I really liked it.  Think wild strawberry and hay!  

And finally.....the SSS (sun, sex and sea)  was unfortunately as short as most holiday romances.  Stephanie agreed and honestly felt this wine was not where she wanted it to be.
In her words... too short.

Yesterday, I met a brilliant winemaker, a new friend and someone who I believe in and want to see again on the magic carpet ride of life.