# Les Pépites Malbec - Syrah (NV)

- **Producer:** H.J. Fabre
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec, Syrah
- **Region:** South West France, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €7
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, blueberry, liquorice

## About this wine

Born in Bordeaux, winemaker Hervé J. Fabre built an international reputation in Argentina in the early 1990s as a pioneer of high-altitude Malbec at Fabre Montmayou. With Les Pépites, Hervé returned to his native France to apply his Malbec expertise to French terroir. While Malbec historically produced harsh 'black wines' in Cahors, Hervé added a portion of Syrah to create an approachable, smooth, fruit-forward red wine.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Hervé J. Fabre pioneered Argentina's modern Malbec before returning to France to craft this cuvée.
- Blending Syrah with Malbec softens the traditionally harsh style of historic Southwest French Malbec.
- A 3 to 4 day cold pre-fermentation maceration extracts rich color and juicy fruit with supple tannins.

## Food pairing

The juicy dark fruit and fresh acidity of this Malbec-Syrah blend slice cleanly through rich, fatty meats such as duck, pork, and grilled beef. Its smooth, soft tannins support hearty savory flavors without overpowering casual dishes like pizza or charcuterie.

## Wine making process

Grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration for 3 to 4 days to optimize fruit extraction and vibrant color while keeping tannins soft and supple. The wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, energetic fruit profile without any heavy oak influence.