Wines Madiran Château Madiran Vieilles Vignes, Château Bouscassé 2022 - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Madiran Vieilles Vignes, Château Bouscassé 2022 is a classic example of red Madiran from the South-West of France, specifically from the foothills of the Pyrenees. The principal grape here is Tannat, often blended with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon, though Tannat remains dominant, especially in cuvées labelled 'Vieilles Vignes' (old vines). The 2022 vintage offered optimal ripening conditions, resulting in a wine with deep colour, intense black fruit aromas—think blackberry, black cherry and plum—and signature notes of spice, tobacco and a touch of violet. Ageing, often in oak barrels, brings structure, harmonious tannins and a robust character that can age gracefully over many years.

The Madiran region, nestled in the South-West near the Pyrenees, benefits from a temperate climate influenced by both Atlantic breezes and mountain proximity, ensuring both ripeness and freshness in the grapes. The diverse soils, a mix of clay, limestone and gravel, play a key role in crafting the firm structure and underlying minerality typical of Madiran wines. This area boasts a deep winemaking history dating over a thousand years, with Tannat renowned for its healthful polyphenols and celebrated for producing some of France’s most substantial reds.

When it comes to food pairing, Madiran's powerful, tannic frame makes it an ideal companion for hearty, flavoursome dishes. Try it with regional specialities like confit de canard or magret de canard—duck in various forms is a natural partner. Cassoulet, with its rich and savoury composition, or robust cuts of grilled or roasted red meats also work beautifully. Hard, aged cheeses like Ossau-Iraty make for an excellent cheese board match.

For the best experience, decant this wine an hour ahead to soften its youthful tannins and release its aromatic complexity. Serve at 16-18°C to fully enjoy the balance between fruit, structure and freshness. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy, or cellared for several years to gain even more complexity.