Monastere de Saint-Mont Rouge 0.75L 14.5%, 2016 vintage 2 bottles; Vignerons de Saint-Mont T created in 1979 by the association of Plaisance, AIgnan and Saint-Mont cellars in Gers. Vignerons de Saint-Mont produces white and red wines on 1,200 hectares in AOC Saint-Mont and dry and sweet white, red and rosé wines on 1140 hectares in IGP Côtes de Gascognes. The Monastere vineyard has its origins in the 11th century, when Benedictine monks worked there. These polished plots of land give birth to majestic wine, a true gem of the Saint Mont appellation, which was revived in the 1970s by Andre Dubosc and other like-minded, passionate winemakers. Monastere des producteurs Plaimont has a dark red color. Late-ripening, thick-skinned and strongly tannic, the local Tannat variety thrives in this climate, where it benefits from a long, slow ripening season from April to late September, with daily bright sunshine and cooler nighttime temperatures provided by the nearby Pyrenees. Aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, this blend expresses the richness of this unique terroir. The intense character of dark cherry, currant and plum fruit is carried by thick, velvety tannins and complemented by a distinctive freshness. Estimated price: £360-460
