Domaine les Carmels – Copains Comme Cochons 2024

Domaine Les Carmels  Copains Comme Cochons 2024 is a refreshing and joyful Cabernet Franc Blanc de Noir* from the Cadillac appellation in Bordeaux. In the glass, this wine displays a brilliant, hazy straw-yellow hue. The aroma is captivating, with bright notes of lemon peel and lime interlacing with exotic passion fruit, complemented by floral and herbal undertones of blossom, fennel and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, it’s dry and brisk, mirroring the aromatic intensity with dominant primary flavors of crisp citrus fruits and ripe pineapple, alongside a subtle herbal freshness. Its moderate, refreshing acidity creates a lively and balanced profile, culminating in a clean, pleasing finish. This wine is crafted in accordance with the ‘Vin Méthode Nature’ charter. The grapes are estate-grown from a certified organic vineyard and manually harvested. Fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts, with no additives. The choice to age this wine in sandstone amphora is key to its unique character. These neutral vessels allow the quality of the grape and the nuances of terroir to express themselves fully, unmasked. The amphora provides slow micro-oxygenation, developing complexity and contributing to a silky texture without imparting external notes. With a modest alcohol content of just 11%, this wine offers high drinkability and purity. Its balance makes it a highly approachable and versatile choice, ideal as an aperitif or a perfect companion to light summer dishes such as fresh seafood, salads, or artisanal young cheeses.   * “Blanc de Noir” a French term meaning “white from black” refers to a white wine made from red-skinned grapes. To achieve this, winemakers gently press red grapes, like Cabernet Franc. The clear juice is immediately separated from the skins to prevent any colour from being imparted. The result is a crisp, elegant white wine that, while lacking the red hue, still carries a subtle hint of the red grape’s unique character and aromatic complexity. This method is most famously used in Champagne production, where red grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are used to make white wine.     WINE PROFILE Copains Comme Cochons 2024 FOOD PAIRING omni This versatile Cabernet Franc Blanc de Noir, with its bright citrus, subtle herbal notes, and refreshing acidity, makes it an excellent companion for a range of dishes. Starters: Fresh Oysters: The wine’s crispness and hint of minerality beautifully complement the briny freshness of oysters. Ceviche: The vibrant citrus flavors in the wine will harmonize with the zesty, marinated seafood in ceviche. Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: The wine’s herbal and citrus notes, along with its refreshing acidity, create a delightful balance with the tangy goat cheese and bright dressing. Main Courses: Grilled Halibut with Lemon-Herb Butter: The wine’s clean profile and citrus notes enhance the delicate flavor of white fish, while its acidity cuts through any richness. Lightly Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Herbs: The subtle herbal and peppery undertones of the wine will echo the flavors of the roasted chicken and vegetables, creating a cohesive pairing.                                        Vegetable Risotto with Asparagus and Peas: The wine’s freshness and moderate acidity provide a lovely counterpoint to the creamy texture of the risotto, highlighting the green, earthy notes of the vegetables. Cheeses: Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre): A classic pairing, the wine’s acidity and bright profile perfectly complement the tangy, creamy texture of chèvre. Aged Gouda: The wine’s purity and structure can stand up to the nutty, slightly sweet notes of an aged Gouda, offering a pleasing contrast. Soft Triple Cream Cheese: The wine’s refreshing acidity helps to cut through the richness of a decadent triple cream cheese, cleansing the palate with each sip. Desserts: Given the wine’s dry profile, opt for desserts that are not overly sweet and feature fresh, tart, or creamy elements. Fresh Fruit Tart with a Light Custard Base: Tarts featuring berries, lemon, or stone fruits will resonate with the wine’s fruit notes, while its dryness balances the dessert’s sweetness. Lemon Mousse or Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis: The tartness of lemon and berries will complement the wine’s citrus character, and the creamy texture provides a pleasant contrast. Angel Food Cake with Fresh Berries and Mint: A light, airy cake with vibrant fresh fruit offers a simple yet elegant pairing that aligns with the wine’s purity and freshness. vegetarian Vegetarian Food Pairings for Copains Comme Cochons 2024 The vibrant acidity, citrus notes, and subtle herbal freshness of Copains Comme Cochons 2024 make it an exceptionally versatile wine for vegetarian cuisine, complementing a wide array of flavors and textures. Starters: Goat Cheese Salad with Roasted Asparagus and Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette: The wine’s crispness and herbal undertones beautifully complement the tangy goat cheese and the earthy, slightly bitter notes of asparagus, brightened by citrus. Wild Mushroom and Burrata Bruschetta: The earthy richness of mushrooms finds a harmonious balance with the wine’s purity, while the creamy burrata is cut by its refreshing acidity. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce: The clean, fresh vegetables in spring rolls, paired with a savory (and optionally slightly spicy) peanut sauce, offer a delightful contrast to the wine’s bright fruit and brisk palate. Main Courses: Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan: The wine’s moderate acidity and subtle earthy notes are an excellent match for the creamy, umami-rich risotto, especially when made with chanterelles or other wild mushrooms. Vegetable Lasagna with Summer Vegetables: A lighter vegetable lasagna, featuring zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, will pair well with the wine’s freshness, allowing its fruit and herbal character to shine without being overwhelmed. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage: The sweetness of the squash and the richness of brown butter are beautifully balanced by the wine’s refreshing acidity, while the sage notes echo its subtle herbal qualities. Cheeses: Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre): A classic and highly recommended pairing, the wine’s bright acidity and clean profile perfectly complement the tangy, creamy texture of chèvre. Aged Gouda: The wine’s purity and structure can stand up to the nutty, slightly sweet notes of an aged Gouda, offering a pleasing contrast and enhancing both the wine and the cheese. Soft Triple Cream Cheese: The wine’s refreshing acidity helps to cut through the richness of a decadent triple cream cheese, cleansing the palate and making each bite and sip enjoyable. Desserts: Given the wine’s dry and refreshing profile, opt for desserts that are not overly sweet and feature fresh, tart, or creamy elements. Fresh Berry Tart with a Light Custard Base: Tarts featuring a medley of fresh berries or a bright lemon curd will resonate with the wine’s fruit notes, while its dryness provides a lovely balance to the dessert’s sweetness. Lemon Mousse or Panna Cotta with a Berry Coulis: The tartness of lemon and berries will complement the wine’s citrus character, and the creamy texture provides a delightful contrast, making for an elegant finish. Angel Food Cake with Fresh Fruit and Mint: A light, airy cake served with vibrant fresh berries and a hint of mint offers a simple yet elegant pairing that aligns with the wine’s purity and freshness, avoiding overly rich or sweet components.