The 2001 Berthomieu Cuvée Charles de Batz Madiran was an unusual but excellent pairing with Cauliflower and Stilton Soup. Both members of this pair are usually associated otherwise: Madiran with rare steak and Stilton with Port. The savory richness of the soup was perfectly offset by the chewy soft opulent tannins in the wine. This traditional Madiran - made from 90% Tannat – was inky black purple/ruby with aromas of Christmas pudding, black currant, black cherry, strawberry cedar and menthol and rich black cherry, smoke and licorice on the palate. Its long finish was interrupted by a rasp of tannins on the tongue and would have benefited from a few more years in the cellar.
A Strange and Beautiful Pairing
The 2001 Berthomieu Cuvée Charles de Batz Madiran was an unusual but excellent pairing with Cauliflower and Stilton Soup. Both members of this pair are usually associated otherwise: Madiran with rare steak and Stilton with Port. The savory richness of the soup was perfectly offset by the chewy soft opulent tannins in the wine. This traditional Madiran - made from 90% Tannat – was inky black purple/ruby with aromas of Christmas pudding, black currant, black cherry, strawberry cedar and menthol and rich black cherry, smoke and licorice on the palate. Its long finish was interrupted by a rasp of tannins on the tongue and would have benefited from a few more years in the cellar.
