A sip of the new generation
Wandering down from Conques and the Aubrac, it’s an easy and logical journey on to the now regenerated, up and coming wine growing region and appellation of Marcillac. It’s a relatively unknown appellation which has risen from the ashes of the almost extinct wine production that the monks from Conques and the wealthy merchants of Rodez enjoyed many centuries ago.
Renowned for its reddish soil, if you look carefully you can still see the overgrown and forgotten vines of the past. And steeply terraced vineyards now cling to either side of the valley in a south facing arch, bordered to the north by the forests, producing spicy and rustic reds (as well as some rosés) predominantly from the Fer Servadou (Mansois) grape and they slip down very comfortably with earthy local cuisine.
There’s a vastly updated cooperative here at the Vignerons du Vallon with an excellent visitor centre a short distance from Rodez which showcases the history and production of Marcillac. But better still in the summer months, the local village of Valady is a wonderfully indulgent way to relax, unwind and experience local wine and cuisine at their weekly Saturday fete.
www.vigneronsduvallon.com/en
© P. Thebault