Domain du Crampihl Madiran

Spotted this on the list at Dyron's last weekend. Although not familiar with this grape it turned out very good. It was $38 on the menu so figure $18-20 retail.

Madiran is an appellation from southwest France near the Pyrenees. Excerpted from wine-searcher.com: "The grape varieties which are sanctioned for the creation of Madiran's wines are Cabernet Franc (also known as Bouchy here), Fer Servadou, Cabernet Sauvignon and the all-important Tannat. Tannat must make up between 40% and 60% of the final blend, which is what makes the resulting wine so characterful and distinctive. The Tannat grape, as its name suggests, is very high in tannins, and brings a certain astringency to Madiran wines. Historically the wines have been famous for needed many years' bottle ageing before becoming palatable. The thick skin of the variety, and its numerous pips are the source of these tannins. The stems of all grape varieties naturally contain high levels of tannin, so destemming (or egrappage in French) is required under the Madiran appellation law. This measure is intended to balance out the overall tannin levels in the finished wine."

Another source describes it as rough when young. After a few years in a cellar, it turns into a sensual and tannic wine. So definitely give it a try if you see it or at Dyron's.