La Douleur Exquise

Varietal: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot
ABV: 13.4
Winemaker: Nicolas Idiart
MSRP: $17.00

From French winemaking prodigy Nicolas Idiart, La Douleur Exquise is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and petit-verdot that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Named after the heart-wrenching pain of star-crossed love, La Douleur Exquise derives its incredible depth of flavor from the stress put onto the vines, creating low-yield harvests of intensely flavorful grapes.

WINEMAKER

The youngest graduate of Bordeaux’s prestigious Ecole du Vin, Nicolas Idiart prides himself on his use of lesser-known grapes to enhance varietals. “The petit-verdot is an amazing grape that I discovered when I was working at Sichel in Margaux,” explains Nicolas. “When we blend the petit-verdot with the cabernet it brings some structure and makes the finish longer without impacting the cabernet aromas and flavors.”

REGION

France's oldest and largest winemaking region, Languedoc-Roussillon benefits from the coastal weather created by the Mediterranean Sea. The slightly warmer temperatures in Languedoc, produce grapes that are typically juicier and more full-bodied than those from northern France.

TASTING NOTES

La Douleur Exquise’s ripe flavors of dark plum and coffee are given depth and texture by petit-verdot. Balanced with cream and spice elements, savory herb and mineral notes fill the finish, which is lush, long and lingering.