The Abouriou grape is a speciality in the Côtes du Marmandais appellation where it is usually blended with Bordeaux red varieties. It is early maturing; indeed the name means "early" in the Occitan language. Elian da Ros has brought visibility to the Maramndais vineyard area and I have experienced his Clos Bacquey and Chante-Coucou blends performing very well as ringers in a blind line-up of Saint-Émilion GCs and GCCs. Here da Ros has made a cuvée 100% from Abouriou. I am not totally convinced that it is at its best on its own but the same can be said for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot!
2019 Elian Da Ros Abouriou Côtes du Marmandais - France, Southwest France, Côtes du Marmandais (04/05/2023)
I think that this is the first time I have had a wine 100% from this Abouriou grape variety, which AFIK is only found in the Garonne valley around Marmande. It was deeply coloured, medium+ bodied and fleshy and firm in character showing quite dense plum fruit with a savoury tinge, earthiness, decent acidity and quite firm tannins supporting the finish. I thought there was a slight deficit in charm and a little more age could be beneficial. The grape plays a supporting role in some of Elian da Ros' very good blends from otherwise Bordeaux right bank varieties. Good.
Posted from CellarTracker
Does anyone here know of Abouriou elsewhere in the world.