ABOUT: Chateau Falfas is located on the right bank of the Gironde river in Bordeaux’s Cotes de Bourg. Vineyards have been in the area since the 2nd century AD and the area is littered with Roman fortification sites. The chateau itself was built in the 17th century and is built atop a foundation from the Hundred Years’ War. Veronique Cochran works 20 hectares of Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Malbec using biodynamic practices. Interestingly, her parents made wine in Saumur and her father, Francois Bouchet wrote a book titled Biodynamic Agriculture: how to apply it to vineyards. He was unquestionably a biodynamic pioneer and it’s no wonder Veronique is passionate about it as well. It’s hard to stress just how much of an outsider they are in Bourg, in a sustainable league of their own. Very few are as dedicated to biodynamic viticulture and good husbandry as Chateau Falfas. And bonus! the wines are pretty great. This wine, the Les Demoiselles de Falfas, is aged in tank and is meant for early consumption, but don’t let that fool you, there’s plenty of room for some exceptional development here. TASTE:The Les Demoiselles de Falfas is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and is blister-packed with flavor. Blasted with youthful aromas and flavors of strawberries, dried cherries, plums, earthy mushrooms, damp potting soil, hot tar, licorice and cheese rind. Bone dry with full-ish body, a medium amount of acidity and some dusty tannins. Excellent quality and a delight, however not for those who need sweetness in their wine; there ain’t none here. PAIR: Tomatoes with Cotija cheese, Provencal vegetable casserole, grilled eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, onion soup with mushrooms, and a veggie quiche with a walnut crust.
