Domaine Pichard

This is the story of the passion of two men and the world-class wines they create at Domaine Pichard, tucked away in the foothills of the Pyrénées mountains at the cross-roads of the Bigorre, Bearn and the Gers regions in the south-west of France.

Wine has been grown in this region for over 2000 years. Domaine Pichard is a family-run vineyard. Wine lovers and owners of the vineyard, Jean Sentilles and Rod Cork are brothers-in- law.

The only domaine where all the vines are together and southwards facing opposite the Pyrénées mountain chain. Madiran is the jewel in the crown – a very small region – with 0.5% surface area compared with the Bordeaux region. All our vintages range from 3-20 years old.

Their passion, courage and tenacity can be found in every bottle of these organic wines, which are sipped and enjoyed all over the world. The vineyard’s wines may be savoured young or laid down for 20 years or more, depending on the vintage.

ITS SPECIAL LOCATION : It takes a very special location to make wines with so much character and strength. The vineyard stretches across 23 hectares of compact steep rolling hillside ; a mosaic of southward facing vines opposite the Pyrénées mountain range. The location of the vineyard is perfectly suited to take advantage of the local climate. The wine makers’ dream.

ITS TERROIR : The vineyard is entirely surrounded by glorious oak trees and woodlands providing natural buff ers and thereby protecting the vineyard and reinforcing the necessary organic processes. The topsoil is composed of fi ne clays mixed with large stone pebbles shaped over time with quartz molds, quartzites and lydiennes dating back to the quarternaire era. This ensures optimal drainage as the grapes bask in the sun, retaining the heat well into the cool evening. Irrigation occurs naturally and comes from a network of natural water sources dissimulated across the vineyard. These are optimal conditions for these powerful wines.

ITS ORGANIC LABEL : The vineyard is entirely organic and in 2015 received offi cially the coveted French and European organic labels, three years after having commenced the process in 2012. This is a well-earned reward which ensure that the vines develop in optimal conditions in the best interests of our wine lovers.

RED WINES : The vineyard’s red wines – Madiran Appellation d’origine contrôlée – are produced from two grapes: Tannat and Cabernet Franc.

Tannat is the emblematic grape of Madiran. This is one of the few places in the world where Tannat is grown and which distinguishes in particular the vineyard’s red wines from the clarets of Bordeaux. Tannat and cabernet franc TANNAT The Tannat grape has notes of blackcurrant, red fruit, earth and minerality. The subtlety and extreme complexity of Tannat is achieved by vinification in large oak casks and barrels for 24 to 36 months after harvest.

We also make 100% Tannat wine. CABERNET FRANC The Cabernet Franc grape embellishes the unique flavour of Domaine Pichard’s red wines. Maturing on the southern facing slopes, the Cabernet Franc grapes develop a remarkable and elegant flavour. The Cabernet Franc brings freshness and elegance, with notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and eucalyptus.

WHITE WINES : DOMAINE PICHARD 0 7 The estate’s white wines – Pacherenc du Vic Bilh – are produced from two grapes: Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng grapes. The white grapes are grown in the coolest areas of the vineyard. The proportion of acidity, minerality, low sugar content and notes of exotic fruits makes for a range of dry and sweet white wines which are both subtle and well-balanced.