Producer Profile: Set against the verdant rolling lowlands of the Aquitaine Basin in France’s Southwest, Camille & Mathias Marquet are the young couple behind Château Lestignac. Having inherited a family farm in 2008, they work 7 hectares of Merlot, Cabs Franc & Sauv, Semillon, Sauv Blanc, Muscadelle & Ugni Blanc vines amidst a newly planted/planting polyculture of cereals, groves olive & fig trees, apple & pear orchards in addition to one of the most floral cover-crop situations we’ve seen in all of France! They keep livestock – sheep, chickens, cattle, and horse or two – all of whom contribute in one way or another to the polycultural farm! Practicing biodynamic, Mathias & Camille endeavor to create sparklingly fresh snapshots of France’s Sud-Ouest, a huge region that is too often overlooked as between-Bordeaux-and-the-Coast. In addition to their own vines – furthering the vision of giving more exposure to the forested wines of the region – they’ve started ‘Hors Les Murs’ (translates to “Outside The Walls”), a négoce project sourcing grapes from some of their favorite organic/biodynamically farming neighbors.

Vinification: 100% Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel with wild yeasts, half destemmed and half whole cluster. Bottled unfined, unfiltered with a touch of SO2. 

Tasting: Medium-bodied, juicy red and blue fruits, lip smacking acidity and a pleasantly peppery finish. Serve with a slight chill.