The 17-hectare Domaine du Pech was founded 1978 by Daniel Tissot and is located on the slopes of Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois of northern Gascony, on the south-eastern border of AOC Buzet. The estate is run strictly along biodynamic lines, only natural yeasts are used and yields are eye-wateringly low. Grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc for the reds and Sauvignon Blanc for the limited-release white, the vines situated on gravel, limestone and clay soil. In 1997 Daniel's daughter, Magali and her partner Ludovic Bonnelle took full responsibility for the estate. The extraordinary Totem is a bend of 50% Merlot plus equal parts of the Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc. Aged in 200 year old oak foudres for 14 years, it is neither filtered nor fined and sees no additional sulphur.
An inky-purple in colour. On the nose, notes of black cherries, blueberries and vanilla. On the palate, full-bodied, firm and dense with balanced tannins and a forward acidity. The finish is lengthy with spicy notes. Superb! Perfect with French onion soup, pork chops with pommes boulangere or a dish of Dauphinoise potatoes.
Biodynamic