The Process: A
grape spirit, marc is made from the pressings of the harvest, i.e. the skins, peel and
seeds, and is referred to, in France, as "gène". At our Marlborough winery we
produce "M" Marc of Marlborough from Pinot Noir pressings.
The distilling takes place in the winery's 40 year old copper still.
The master distiller's skill is tested when regulating the cooling temperatures, the
successful result being a seamless procedure where only the vapours of good quality or
"heart", as it is known, are taken into the cooling pipes where condensation
occurs. After distillation, as is the tradition for Armagnac and Cognac production, the
"M" Marc of Marlborough is aged in French oak casks for several months until
maturation is completed. The resulting Marc displays a strong bouquet of grape with hints
of spice and vanilla.
Georges Michel is delighted with the first release of "M"
from his Marlborough winery. He is pleased to recommend his "M" Marc of
Marlborough as a digestif after dinner to be served in the same manner as Cognac or
Armagnac. Also, for use in cuisine, for example: in flambées, sauces, or perhaps a small
amount poured over sorbet to cleanse the palate between courses. |