Elian Da Ros’s Cuvée Chante Coucou 2021 from the Côtes-du-marmandais appellation in southwest France is a fine expression of the region’s red wine tradition, produced with a commitment to organic viticulture. This wine, made in the heart of the moyenne Garonne, draws on a blend of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. While records indicate a blend perhaps dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with contributions from Syrah, Malbec, and possibly Cabernet Sauvignon, local tradition and terroir naturally shape its character into a harmonious and supple red. The wine is likely to display a vibrant structure, marrying ripe fruit – think plum and blackberry – with aromatic nuances of subtle spice, gentle florals, and earthier undertones. Vinification at Elian Da Ros is typically gentle, with careful extraction and a thoughtful approach to oak, promoting freshness and preserving the purity of fruit.
The Côtes-du-marmandais sits just south-east of Bordeaux, straddling both sides of the Garonne river. This is a region with a long, if under-sung, wine history rooted in a patchwork of gravel, clay, and limestone soils. The Atlantic’s reach tempers the climate, buttressed by a continental influence further inland, offering the best of both worlds – warm summers to ripen grapes and cool nights to preserve balance. The proximity to Bordeaux inspires both the choice of varietals and a certain elegance, but the inclusion of grapes like Syrah and Malbec highlights the Southwest’s unique personality in the glass.
With its depth and freshness, Chante Coucou is a versatile gastronomic companion. It would pair beautifully with duck breast, lamb cutlets, or a classic cassoulet – dishes typical of the Southwest. Vegetarian options such as lentil stew with root vegetables, or grilled aubergines with tapenade, will also bring out the wine’s savoury and spicy notes.
For the best tasting experience, serve this red at 16–18°C, after a brief decant to allow the wine to open up. This will reveal its aromatic detail and allow the supple tannins to shine through, whether enjoyed now for its youthful fruitiness or cellared for a few more years to develop further complexity.
