Domaine Labranche Laffont

About

Owner & winemaker: Christine Dupuy
Vineyards: 22ha, of which 18ha are in Madiran, and 4ha are in Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh
Vineyard management: Certified organic since 2014
Soils: Clay and pebbles
Grapes grown: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng

Quick facts:

• When Christine Dupuy took over her family’s 6ha of vineyards in 1993, she became the youngest winemaker in the appellation.
• She’s one of only two growers in Madiran who still has pre-phylloxera plantings of Tannat, dating to the end of the 19th century.
• Christine is a member of A Bisto de Nas, an association of organic growers in Southwest France.

Christine Dupuy took over her family estate after her father died unexpectedly in 1993, when she was just 23 years old. She had just finished a degree in enology and became the youngest winemaker in the Madiran appellation. In the years since, she’s grown from the 6ha she inherited to 22ha, 18ha in Madiran and 4ha in Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh. Her focus is on making pure, elegant wines of terroir through organic farming, low yields, hard-harvesting, parcel-by-parcel vinification, gentle pressing, and native yeasts. The wines showcase Tannat’s distinctly tannic grip, while adding a modern freshness.