2023 Elian Da Ros Côtes du Marmandais "Chante Coucou" Rouge, South West, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Chante Coucou is one of Elian Da Ros's signature wines, offering an authentic expression of Côtes du Marmandais, a distinctive appellation located along the Garonne River southeast of Bordeaux. The 2023 vintage brings together Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Abouriou, a traditional local variety that contributes depth, color, and a distinctive regional personality. Merlot provides generous fruit and a rounded texture, Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic lift and freshness, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure. Abouriou completes the blend with dark fruit intensity, subtle spice, and an appealing rustic edge.

The grapes are grown on the rolling hillsides surrounding Cocumont, where clay-limestone soils help produce wines with both concentration and natural freshness. The vineyards are managed organically and biodynamically, with careful attention to soil health, biodiversity, and the natural balance of the vines. Harvesting is carried out by hand, and fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, allowing the fruit to develop its character without excessive intervention. Gentle extraction preserves the wine's vibrant aromatics and supple texture, while maturation in a combination of oak and concrete helps soften the tannins and build complexity without masking the purity of the fruit.

The 2023 Chante Coucou emphasizes freshness, generosity, and drinkability, balancing ripe berry flavors with savory herbal notes and a lively mineral character. Its medium-to-full-bodied structure and approachable tannins make it versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled lamb, duck breast, charcuterie, rustic vegetable dishes, or mushroom risotto. Enjoyable in its youth, it also has the structure to develop additional complexity with several years of cellaring.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Elian Da Ros is widely regarded as one of the defining producers of Côtes du Marmandais, a small appellation in Southwest France that has gradually earned recognition for its distinctive, terroir-driven wines. Born into a farming family in Cocumont, Da Ros developed an early connection to the region's vineyards before spending five years honing his skills at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Alsace. Inspired by the possibilities of his family's land, he returned to Cocumont in 1997 to establish his own estate, producing his first vintage in 1998.

Today, the domaine encompasses approximately 22 hectares of vineyards spread across the region's gently rolling landscape. Da Ros was an early advocate of organic viticulture, transitioning away from conventional farming in 2000 and introducing biodynamic practices in 2002. His philosophy centers on nurturing living soils, encouraging biodiversity, and allowing each vineyard site to express its natural character. In the cellar, he favors indigenous fermentations, restrained extraction, and thoughtful aging techniques that preserve freshness while developing depth and balance.

A central part of Da Ros's work is his commitment to Abouriou, an indigenous grape that gives the wines of Côtes du Marmandais a personality distinct from neighboring Bordeaux. By blending traditional regional varieties with Merlot and the Cabernets, he creates wines that combine familiar elegance with the expressive, sometimes rustic character of Southwest France. His dedication to sustainable farming, regional heritage, and precise, minimally interventionist winemaking has helped establish Côtes du Marmandais as a source of distinctive and compelling French wines.