The 26-hectare Domaine Berthoumieu is run by Didier Barre and is situated in the village of Viella in the northern Madiran region of southwest France. The estate has been in the family since 1850 and Didier is one of the leading makers in the region, his wines expressing the notion of terroir to perfection. 'Charles de Batz' is 90% Tannat and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from hand harvested old vines and spends 12 months in new oak barrels before bottling. Charles de Batz, incidentally, is better known as Comte d'Artagnan, one of the three musketeers.
Almost purple-black in colour. Plenty of black fruit aromas on the nose backed up by notes of leather and cedar wood. Full-bodied and chewy in texture, the palate displays flavours of cassis, black cherries and pepper. The tannins are forward but well integrated and the finish is lengthy and tannic (naturally!) making this a perfect match for richly flavoured meats. Try with chicken fricassee and cepes, braised shoulder of lamb stuffed with peppers or game terrine.