About the Icons
A Monthly Wine Club Selection
In the mid-1970s, winemaker André Dubosc set about reviving the "lost" appellations of Southwestern France. Known locally as the Sud-Ouest, this lush, hilly, and historic region is the least populated corner of France but is home to some 47,000 hectares of vineyards along with a vast array of vignerons.

For decades, the region was only known for Armagnac and inexpensive, Tannat-based wines. Focused on revitalizing its reputation, and promoting wines made from autochthonous grape varieties, André helped create the Plaimont Cooperative in 1979, which united the wineries of Plaisance (PL), Aignan (AI), and Saint Mont (MONT), incorporating nearly all of the region's most important estates and châteaux. Over the past several decades, they have managed to revive several ancient grape varieties—from Manseng Noir to Arrufiac—putting their region back on the enological map and making them one of France's most exciting "new" wine pioneers. Today, Plaimont has an impressive 600 growers and 5,300 hectares under vine, accounting for 98% of the Saint Mont appellation.

A blend of organically farmed 60% Gros Manseng, 25% Petit Courbu and 15% Arrufiac brought to us by second generation winemaker Olivier Bourdet-Pées, this mouthwatering trio of rare grapes was grown in a small sub-alpine pocket some 50 miles from the Pyrénées Mountains and just over the border from Basque country. The grapes were dry-farmed and picked by hand. After fermentation, the wine was aged sur lies in stainless steel for 6 months, and then for an additional 12 months in bottle before being released.

Bright golden hue. Layered aromas of white peach, citrus peel, wild herbs and a touch of cheese rind. The palate is lush, with exotic flavors of mandarin peel, star fruit, passion fruit and lemongrass with a hint of salinity. Bright and textural, with a long, satisfying, mineral-kissed finish.