A visit at Café Sgaminegg in Berlin is always good for a surprise, in this case the hard-to-find "Amadeus" from the Domaine de Saint-Guilhem. This is a Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan, one of five French regional classifications (there are also vin de pays specific to départments and vin de pays specific to small local areas). The Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan encompasses most of South-West France.
Pour the Amadeus in a decanter and open all windows, this wine needs air in order to lose its initial rough edges and tight mouthfeel. But with a little help of oxygen, beauty unfolds.
This blend of Syrah, Negrette and Cabernet Sauvignon has an almost opaque ruby color and a pronounced nose of black cherry, although the aroma is also decidedly spicy and herbal. The tannins are prominent, yet ripe and soft and furry, very pleasant and made to go with food. Flavors are very similar to the aroma: black cherry and spices extending into a medium(+) long length.
This Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan is a full-bodied wine an elegance which betrays the notion that a vin de pays is rustic by nature. It isn't.