I always said that the trilogy of red, white and rosé from Domaine de Pellehaut would be good enough to get any fan of New World wine onto drinking Old World. This is where to start whenever you want to try French wine. Experimental blends that work. The white won top blended white at the Paris show two years in a row.

Domaine de Pellehaut is one of the finest independent family producers in Gascony. Situated at the highest point in the district of Montréal-du-Gers (180m above sea level), this farming estate covers 530 hectares of which 220 hectares are planted with vines. It is run in a traditional way by Gason Beraut and his sons, Mathieu and Martin.

The vines are only situated on the slopes, with the lowlands being reserved for cattle and cereal crops. The straw from the local “Blonde d’Aquitaine” cattle (pictured) makes first rate manure for the vines, thus allowing the balance of organic matter to be maintained in the different parcels, whilst limiting the use of synthetic fertilisers. A stellar range, whether you’re an Old World disciple, or just looking to broaden your palate.

Domaine de Pellehaut Blanc: Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Colombard, Gros Menseng, Ugni Blanc.

Domaine de Pellehaut Rouge: Merlot, Tannat, Cabernet.

Domaine de Pellehaut Rosé: Merlot, Tannat.

Domaine de Pellehaut Ampelomeryx: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit et Gros Manseng.

Click here to view a recent post on Domaine de Pellehaut’s Ampelomeryx.

Ampelomeryx is an extinct mammal that lived during the Miocene period. It was a even-toed ungulate that had frontal and occipital appendages. It was similar to Tauromeryx and Triceromeryx. It was a herbivore, perhaps a browser (Wikipedia)

This curious beast, viewable on the bottle pictured, can be described as a cross between a deer and a giraffe. It lived over 17 million years ago in what would have been a very different looking sub-tropical Gascony. The male Ampelomeryx had two large canines and a horn at the back of his head. (Oh, and based on the fact that giraffes have no vocal cords, I reckon it sounded quite like a deer. Whatever that sounds like.)

It’s incredible to think that these animals were roaming the vineyards of Domaine de Pellehaut all those years ago, and 17 million years later, there’s a part of them still living in the Curious Wines Warehouse. Domaine de Pellehaut have dedicated their signature Vin de Pays (VDP) white blend to their fossil find of the majestic Ampelomeryx, with a label that, in my view, makes for one of the most enticing bottles we carry.

The 2006 is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Manseng, the latter of which is a grape that is often used in dessert wines, and in the case of the Ampelomeryx, provides an incredibly rich roundedness, that’s further enhanced by fermentation of the juice from all of the grapes in old barrels. Whereas new barrels would impart stronger, pure flavours, the old barrels have added subtle, delicate flavours of vanilla, which are preceded by prominent aromas of white peach and apricot on the nose.

This is a special wine and a real find. It’s almost as special as finding a 17 million year old half deer, half giraffe buried at the bottom of your garden.  One that we would even pit against a white burgundy at twice the price. Now there’s a statement.

For a premium red VDP, check out the superb Dignite Syrah, and click here to view the Ampelomeryx in all its glory. Both have 10% off indicated prices until the end of August.