Vieillefont is a red table wine made in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France, southeast of Bordeaux. This rather unknown region is better known for inexpensive bulk wine than fine wine, however I think I found a real gem. Although this winery only began in 1997, and their initial offerings were less than stellar, their hard work has paid off. Vieillefont is made from 20 to 30 year old vines, and is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. They age the wine for a little more than a year in oak, but use a low proportion of new oak thereby making the oak influence more subtle. The result is a medium bodied wine that is luscious and smooth. It has a dark purplish color, and has a nose similar to that of a Bordeaux. I loved this wine. It is a mix of dark red berries, with a hint of cocoa and spice. This rich round flavor is perfectly balanced with light tannins and acid. This is a great everyday wine, and I am going to order another case today.
Tags: Wine of the Month