Chateau d’Aydie (France) Maydie 2006
The rather alarmingly names Maydie, is in fact a sweet fortified wine from the Madiran region of southwest France, made from the Tannat grape. Despite the portent of doom in its title, Tannat is actually considered one of the healthiest of red wine grapes, due to its high level of procyanidin, an antioxidant thought to actively protect the heart. The wine pours a dramatically dark, almost black, crimson colour, and has fairly restrained notes of black plum with some subtle floral nuances. On the palate it is rich, smooth and powerful (17% ABV), with a thick core of sweet blackberry and chewy, dark, prune and raisin notes. There’s a lovely cherry edge of acidity that adds some freshness, and just hints of a chocolaty depth from ripe tannins and the richness of the fruit. Quite long and retaining its sweetness and warmth, this would be a great match for dark chocolate desserts a la Banyuls. £10.95 for 50cl, The Wine Society.
