La Renarde à Pattes Noires 2019

Our southern France expert, Mark Hoddy, found this gorgeous Merlot at a local restaurant. Mark was so impressed with its silky red fruit and tobacco-spice flavors that he asked the manager where the wine was from...then drove out to the winery to see whether they’d sell it to our customers. Luckily for you, winemaker Cédric Drouet (who’s worked in California, Bordeaux and beyond) was happy to strike a deal. Hailing from environmentally friendly vineyards (HVE certified) and boasting three gold medals and a BIG trophy, it’s sure to impress Merlot fans.

La Renarde à Pattes Noires (the vixen with black paws) takes its name from a local legend: The great volcano of Céressou was stoked by the breath of fairies until, wrongly accused of plotting against the village, they were taken prisoner by evil bees and killed one by one. In desperation, the final fairy turned herself into a vixen and fled down the slopes, the volcanic ash staining her paws black. Today, the vixen is a symbol of the Côtes du Céressou.

Côtes du Céressou lies within the Languedoc region. The village in which Mark found this wine is home to just 1,000 people, and the local cooperative includes only 12 growers. The Merlot vines thrive in the region’s black volcanic soil, and this wine is the delightful proof. Expect aromas of vibrant plum and black currant, underpinned by subtle spice and tobacco notes. And on the palate, similar flavors with velvety tannins and a long finish.

La Renarde à Pattes Noires will pair beautifully with roasted lamb or duck, as well as traditional cassoulet (a rich slow-simmered French stew of duck, pork and white beans) and fresh dishes starring Mediterranean veggies.