Tessier 2023 Vine de France "Toc" (Malbec)

Toc is a pun for Côt, one of the single-variety cuvées made by Simon and Philippe Tessier in their organic estate of Sologne. Côt, or Malbec, is one of the grapes authorised in the Cheverny AOC but as the appellation has to be a blend, the wine is declassified in Vin de France - one of the meanings of Toc in French is "fake stuff."  Vinified like all the other reds in semi-carbonic maceration for 15 days or so, then aged in 500 liter barrique for 8 months, this bottling has a juicy, plush texture balancing really well the natural high acid spine of the variety. Dark purple - the usual colour of Malbec - the 2023 has a lovely bouquet of violet, blueberry,  blackberry liqueur, cherry and dried thyme. On the palate, the attack is lush and bright, with blackberry and cherry fruit, then the vibrant acidity appears, and plays with the gentle tannins, finishing with good length of ripe, chalky fruit. Ripe, juicy and quite refreshing and lively so serve quite cool.  Delicious wine and highly recommended! (about 12% alc and very low SO2)