2024 Abbotts & Delaunay Cabernet Sauvignon Pays D'Oc

Producer Background
Abbotts & Delaunay is a brand in southern France (Languedoc–Roussillon / Pays d’Oc) under the Badet Clement umbrella. Laurent Delaunay is the winemaker, building on partnerships and vineyard purchases over time. The philosophy leans toward fruit‑forward, approachable wines that highlight regional character and good vineyard care rather than heavy oak or over‑extraction.

Grape & Terroir
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the Pays d’Oc region. The fruit is sourced from two distinct zones: the foothills of the Cévennes (bringing spice, structure, and freshness) and the Aude Valley (offering rounder fruit characteristics and depth). The combined sites lend a balance of ripeness and regional typicity.

Farming & Winemaking Methods
Grapes are destemmed wholly, with two weeks of maceration including regular pump‑overs to extract color, flavor, and tannin in a controlled fashion. Malolactic fermentation is completed. After fermentation, about 10% of the wine is aged in oak barrels, while the remaining 90% is kept in stainless steel tanks. This gives the wine a mix of oak influence and pure fruit freshness.

Tasting Notes
A deep, dark red color. On the nose: blackberry, blueberry, and plum, with nuances of green pepper, mint, and cedar. On the palate it is smooth, with soft‑velvety tannins, fresh acidity, and good length. There is a discreet touch of oak giving toast and spice, but the fruit remains center stage. The finish is clean and enjoyable, with a hint of dark fruit and subtle complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions
This Cabernet Sauvignon works well with:

• Grilled or roasted red meats (steak, lamb chops)
  Hearty stews or casseroles
• Charcuterie and cured meats
• Dishes with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint
• Dark chocolate desserts or cakes as a contrast with its fruit and tannin
  
  

Serving & Cellaring Potential
Serve at about 16‑18 °C to allow aromas to open. Drink now through the next 3‑5 years: it offers immediate pleasure but has enough structure to hold some aging.