On the “Happening
Now Tasting” posts ahead I plan to send my tongue on a
voyage of discovery to wine-growing regions with hyper
autochthonous and scarcely existing grape
varietals. Today I'd like to start with a “test subject” from the
South-West of France. In Galliac there is a
variety named Prunelart. Prunelart is a
small-berry and dark blue variety which is almost extinct. Until the
phylloxera crisis Prunelart was one of the most widespread varietals
in Galliac. Today only 10 to 12 hectares are still in cultivation in
the entire Sud-Ouest. Prunelart shows distinct similarities to
Malbec. Genetically (alongside Magdeleine Noire des Charentes the co
parent of Malbec) as well as aromatically (I'll taste the possible
resemblance soon). The main reason for Prunelart's imminent extiction
- besides the effects of phylloxera - might be its capricious
nature. Especially Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea
are two of its unfortunate frequent visitors.
Today's “test object”
was produced by Bernard Plageoles of Domaine
des Tres Cantous (or just Domaine Plageoles).
The densely cultivated vines (approx. 5000 vines per hectare) are
growing on gravely loamy soils in Galliac region. After fermentation
the „Le Prunelart“ 2009 was aged for 12
months in concrete tanks on its lees. Well, let's have a curious look
…
