Our surprise summer superstar: Capmartin's Madiran "L'instant", a charming blend of Tannat and Cabernet that pairs perfectly with savory, summer food — maybe something fresh off the grill. While tasting with the importer, Julia’s note was 50% surprise and 50% advice: “I love Madiran… sometimes! A fun, easy steak taco wine.”

Who knew Madiran could be so fresh and fun? This appellation in France's Southwest is known for brooding, intensely tannic wines made from the Tannat grape (which is itself brooding and intensely tannic). It usually takes years in the bottle to start singing. It's typically a wine that requires time, patience, and commitment.

Well, for one, the Capmartin family, who have made a young wine that is complex, juicy, and succulent. The cooler, north- and east-facing sites they use for this bottling keep the alcohol down and the freshness up. They farm organically and biodynamically (which also helps to keep the power in check). Their soils of limestone and clay, which bring power and depth, are complemented by gravel, which brings a lighter, lifted, stonier touch — especially with the Cabernet, a là the Médoc.

But maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised. The importer who brings us this lovely wine, Jeffrey Alpert, is responsible for superstars like JF Ganevat, in the Jura, and Benoit Lahaye, in Champagne – masters of balancing depth with lightness.

Will Madiran be the next Jura? Probably not. But is this Madiran one of our favorite summer reds? You bet...and we hope you make it yours, too. 

Domaine Capmartin, L'Instant Madiran, 2022 $28.99
Black currant fruit, maybe some dark cherry, elegant structure and just enough complexity to make the wine worthy of savoring – never so much as to demand your attention. Great with Julia’s steak tacos or pretty much any summer meal: burgers, chicken off the grill, sausages, market vegetables, a salad of fresh peaches, tomato and mozzarella… yum!