Issue No. 18

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.
© P. Thebault
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