Domaine Sergent Tradition 2016 Madiran, South West France, France 75cl

Domaine Sergent is a family estate in Madiran, the stronghold of the Tannat grape in the rolling country of South West France, where robust, age-worthy reds are a long-standing tradition.

The Tradition cuvee is built around Tannat, the grape that gives Madiran its famous depth and grip, softened here with a little Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to round the edges. It is a wine that wears its rustic, full-bodied heritage proudly rather than chasing polish.

The 2016 vintage in the South West produced ripe, well-balanced reds with good structure, a helpful thing in a grape as naturally firm and tannic as Tannat.

On the nose it is fresh and lifted, with blackcurrant and blackberry aromas alongside cinnamon and liquorice. The palate is round and fleshy, carried by dark fruit, gentle spice and the firm, ripe tannins that mark the appellation, finishing long and savoury.

This is a red for the table rather than the aperitif, a natural match for duck, cassoulet, grilled lamb and mature cheese. If you enjoy sturdy, characterful reds from South West France, Madiran is its beating heart.