Le Pech Abuse, Buzet 2021

Buzet is not far from Bordeaux, and the wines share a similar pedigree, but they tend to be plusher, riper, and softer - especially from a biodynamic estate like Domaine du Pech. They use a similar blend - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc - but with a bit more rustic charm and a little less polish. After fermentation, it spends a few years in large oak casks, picking up a mellow garnet hue along the way. That time also adds leathery depth and rich prune aromas to the plump, dark fruit. It's like a good Claret that's loosened its tie - still structured and refined, but with softer tannins, riper fruit, and a more easy-going charm.

This generous, red goes brilliantly with things like slow-braised beef daube, a classic coq au vin, or a hearty lamb and bean cassoulet, its ripe fruit and soft tannins handle rich, slow-cooked flavours with ease.

Domaine du Pech is situated on the slopes of Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois in the southeastern corner of the Buzet appellation near the Garonne River about halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse. This Biodynamic domaine has been run by Magali Tissot and her partner Ludovic Bonnelle since 1997 after they took the reins from Magali's father Daniel. Natural wine is what they’re all about - fertilizers haven’t been used for over twenty years and only natural yeasts and bacteria are used in winemaking. Bottling is done without filtration and only minimal amounts of sulphur and copper are used. They’re among just a handful of growers in the area that work in this way and their wines certainly reflect the character of the region.