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Domaine Sarda Malet

Domaine Sarda Malet lies just south of Perpignan, one of Roussillon's largest and liveliest towns. Here Jérôme Malet, working alongside his mother Suzy, crafts superb examples of Côtes du Roussillon, both red and white.

The domaine was originally owned by Jérôme's maternal grandfather - Jérôme Sarda - but in 1984 his parents, Max and Suzy, took over the running of the estate. It was not long, however, before Max's ill health forced Jérôme to take on a larger role in the family business. By 1992 he was in control. His parents had already done much to improve things, but Jérôme took things a step further. He travelled throughout France's great wine regions, receiving an education in viticulture and cellar work along the way. And when he returned, he put what he had learned into practice as Sarda Malet.

Jérôme's journey of discovery taught him to appreciate the quality of Sarda Malet's soils, largely clay and limestone, but with some red Gunz on which Syrah and Mourvèdre are planted. The vines average over 30 years of age, and extend over 46 hectares, with an increasing proportion of the aforementioned two varieties, although Jérôme has sensibly avoided grubbing up his 60 year old Grenache and Carignan vines. There are also some 50 year old white Grenache and Maccabeu, together with more recent plantings of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Malvoisie. Yields typically range from 15 to 20 hl/ha, but never exceed 35 hl/ha.

The white Côtes du Roussillon cuvées include a Terroir Mailloles, fermented in barrel using just free-run Marsanne and Roussanne juice. There is also an unoaked white using a broader blend of varieties. The red Côtes du Roussillon cuvées also include a Terroir Mailloles, an oaked blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The Côtes du Roussillon Reserve also includes some Grenache, and spends less time in oak.. There is a lighter straight Côtes du Roussillon, which sees Carignan and even a little Maccabeu - an unusual addition - in the blend. Bringing up the rear are some desert wines and a Rivesaltes. (3/1/05)

Contact details:
Address: 66000 Perpignan
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 56 72 38
Fax: +33 (0) 4 68 56 47 60

Domaine Sarda Malet - Tasting Notes

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2000

Domaine Sarda Malet Côtes du Roussillon 'Terroirs Maillioles' Blanc 2000: A fairly rich colour. Dripping honeycomb and acacia, sweet plump fruits, and white pepper - what a delightful and characterful nose. Full, fat, still oaky, and rounded on the palate, with a beautiful honeyed texture. Plenty of lemony tropical fruit, balanced out by crisp, almost tingly acidity. There's a sweet, almost confected edge to the fruit but it is not a significant distraction. Lovely wine which will improve in the short term. 17.5+/20 (January 2005) Label

1999

Domaine Sarda Malet Côtes du Roussillon Réserve 1999: A good depth of colour with a youthful sheen. Ripe, smoky, forest fruits, but still with some oak evident here. Beautiful, creamy, svelte texture, laid over a grippy base. Berry fruits swirled in cream, with some smoky-oaky notes. Lovely, ripe, flavoursome and balanced. Plenty of style here, a dark, brooding nature, and super potential. Very good indeed. Drink over the next ten years. 17+/20 (January 2005) Label