Mary Taylor Coteaux de la Cabrerisse

Mary Taylor is an American importer who works directly with European growers to produce wines under her label, bypassing the usual layers of the trade. The Coteaux de la Cabrerisse is made with winemaker Anne Sarda, whose vineyards sit in one of the Languedoc's most rugged and beautiful landscapes — stony limestone and clay soils in the small Corbières appellation of Coteaux de la Cabrerisse, too rocky even for cover crops. Carignan vines up to 60 years old grow as dry-farmed bush vines at 130 meters altitude, hand-harvested at low yields of 30 hl/ha. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in concrete vessels up to 105 years old, with no additions, no fining, and minimal sulfur. The result is pure Carignan: cranberry, strawberry, red currant, wild herbs, star anise, and a fresh, dry finish with a whisper of umami. Best served with a light chill.