2025 Elian Da Ros Côtes du Marmandais "Vin est une Fête" Rouge, South West, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Le Vin est une Fête, meaning "Wine Is a Celebration," reflects Elian Da Ros's belief that wine should be as enjoyable and welcoming as it is expressive of its origins. Produced in the Côtes du Marmandais appellation southeast of Bordeaux, this cuvée offers a lighter, more playful interpretation of the region's traditional red wines. Typically centered on Abouriou and Cabernet Franc, with Merlot contributing additional softness and fruit, the blend highlights the aromatic brightness and natural charm of these varieties. Abouriou brings juicy dark berries and subtle spice, Cabernet Franc adds floral lift and herbal freshness, while Merlot rounds out the palate with a gentle, supple texture. The precise proportions of the 2025 vintage have not been confirmed.

The grapes are cultivated on the gently rolling hillsides surrounding Cocumont, where clay-limestone soils contribute freshness and balance. Organic and biodynamic farming practices encourage healthy vines and preserve the vitality of the surrounding ecosystem. In keeping with the wine's easygoing personality, the winemaking approach emphasizes gentle extraction and the preservation of primary fruit aromas rather than heavy concentration or pronounced oak influence. The result is a vibrant red that favors purity, freshness, and immediate enjoyment.

The youthful character of the 2025 vintage makes this an especially appealing wine for casual gatherings and everyday meals. Its juicy fruit, lively acidity, and soft structure pair naturally with charcuterie, roasted chicken, grilled sausages, mushroom flatbreads, or simple Mediterranean dishes. Served slightly chilled, it becomes even more refreshing, making it an excellent choice for warm afternoons, relaxed dinners, and celebrations with friends.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Elian Da Ros is among the most influential winemakers in Côtes du Marmandais, a small appellation in Southwest France known for its distinctive blends and deep agricultural heritage. Raised in a farming family in Cocumont, Da Ros developed a strong connection to the land before spending five years at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Alsace, where he gained valuable experience in thoughtful, terroir-focused winemaking. He returned to his native region in 1997 to establish his own domaine, producing his first vintage in 1998 with the goal of demonstrating the remarkable potential of Marmandais wines.

The estate encompasses approximately 22 hectares of vineyards planted across a varied landscape of clay, limestone, and gravel soils. Da Ros began transitioning to organic farming in 2000 and introduced biodynamic practices in 2002, placing soil health, biodiversity, and natural vineyard balance at the center of his work. His cellar philosophy follows the same principles, favoring indigenous fermentations, careful extraction, and restrained intervention to preserve the individuality of each wine.

A defining element of the domaine is its dedication to Abouriou, a traditional grape variety that contributes a distinctly local identity to the wines of Côtes du Marmandais. By combining this regional heritage with the elegance of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and other established varieties, Da Ros produces wines that range from structured, age-worthy reds to vibrant, everyday expressions. Le Vin est une Fête embodies the more playful side of his philosophy, demonstrating that wines rooted in thoughtful farming and meticulous craftsmanship can also be uncomplicated, generous, and full of pleasure.