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Domaine Pichard

Domaine Pichard was established in 1955 by Auguste Vigneau, when he purchased a plot of uncultivated land near the Spanish border, in the heart of the Madiran appellation. From such small beginnings an admirable estate has grown, with 12.5 hectares of vines present today. These are planted on gentle south-facing slopes, at a density of 4000 plants/ha. The average age of the vines is 35 years. Of the 12.5 hectares, 12 hectares are red varieties; 45% Tannat, the local specialty, with 40% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The remainder, a paltry half-hectare, is planted with Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng, and is bottled as AC Pacherenc du Vic Bilh.

Fermentation is temperature controlled, before the wine goes into oak where it sees several rackings. This removes much of the solids in the wine and a subsequent filtration is avoided. Three different wines are produced, two Madiran cuvées and one Pacherenc du Vic Bilh. The straight Madiran is 50% Tannat and 50% Cabernet, whereas the Prestige bottling has 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet, and sees two years in oak. The white is dominated by Petit Manseng (80%), the balance Gros Manseng. (13/6/05)

Contact details:
Address: 65700 Soublecause
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 62 96 35 73
Fax: +33 (0) 5 62 96 96 72
Internet: www.domaine-pichard.com

Domaine Pichard - Tasting Notes

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Domaine Pichard Madiran 1982: Incredible appearance for the age; plenty of colour, which shows only moderate development. The nose takes a long while to open up, but offers some notes of macerated berry fruit and hawthorn. Lovely weight on entry, showing real substance right through the midpalate to the finish. Nice integration of tannin and balanced acidity, and drinking now. Clearly this is a wine with staying power, but where are the highlights? There is little in the way of complexity, or notable interest. Perhaps it simply needs another ten years? Good. 15.5+/20 (June 2005)