Fabien Jouves Les Acacias 2022

Fabien Jouves works from Mas del Perie in Cahors, the southwest French appellation where Malbec is the native grape, with vines planted in the highest part of the denomination. The estate is farmed biodynamically and the wine is made naturally, with minimal intervention and no added yeast or fining. Cahors sits on limestone plateaux known as causses, and the cool elevation and stony soils give Malbec a brighter, more lifted character here than in warmer regions, with firm acidity and fine tannin rather than sheer power. Les Acacias is bottled as Vin de France, giving Jouves freedom outside appellation rules. Fermentation runs on ambient yeasts, and the wine spends 18 months in foudres, large old oak casks that allow slow oxygen exchange and soften tannins without adding obvious oak flavour. The result is a deeply coloured red with a nose of dark plum, red berries, violet florals and crushed black pepper. The palate is structured and savoury, with grippy but ripe tannins, a mineral, earthy core and a long peppery finish. This is a serious, food driven Malbec rather than a fruit bomb. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits red meat, game and earthy mushroom dishes.