Dominik Benz cuvée Tête de sage 2017 (IGP Ariège)

Dominik Benz is a young winemaker in the Ariège region of southern France. He is passionate about his winemaking, and his wines are full of character and complexity. He specializes in wines from both artisanal and modern winemaking traditions. His vineyard is located in the foothills of the Pyrenées, overlooking the Ariège valley. He is one of the few winemakers in the region using sustainable practices, such as organic and biodynamic farming, and actively works to reduce the environmental impact of his winemaking.

Visually we see a Merlot of medium depth, with a meniscus that begins to evolve. This reference was opened five years after its harvest. A complex nose where black fruit in liquor, kirsch and animal notes coexist. Wide and dry entry. Balanced development between a fruity side and another of charming evolution. The character is protagonist. It is not too marked by the 12 months of aging in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 liters. Melted tannin finish with 13.5% vol that seem less. Merci Domink for this wine: you are the real Ariège wine ambassador.

A wine from a more unknown and underestimated wine-growing area of France such as the Pyrenean Ariège, which makes this cuvée value at 24 euros. Several medals confirm the quality of this Tete de Sage. A service about 13º C is well done. As a regional pairing we can propose a Roasted duck breast flavoured with maple syrup and wild berries. Without abandoning the flavors of the High Occitania try a Toulouse style cassoulet, sausage, duck confit, pork shank and lamb.