Domaine du Cros, run by five generations of the the Teulier family beginning in 1882, is the largest independent producer in the Marcillac appellation. While this may bring to mind the massive "estates" of Bordeaux or the Languedoc, in Marcillac, "big" means 33 hectares of hand-tended vines. When many Aveyronnais were fleeing economic strife in the countryside for new lives in Paris, Dominque Teulier purchased the Domaine du Cros. In 1964, when humble Marcillac first attained a labelling status higher than "Vin de Pays," the Teuliers bottled their "Lo Sang del Pais" and so began its history as the benchmark wine of the appellation. Since the 1980s, Philippe Teulier, and later his son Julien, have developed the domaine's gravity fed cellar, expanded vineyard holdings, and produced wines that have come to define what classic Marcillac is.

The Teuliers' 33 hectares are located in the most prized terroir of the Marcillac valley: steep, terraced vineyards based on the iron rich clay known locally as "rougiers," with a limestone parent rock. Their Marcillac is 100% Fer Servadou, called "Mansois" in local dialect, a very old variety In the Cabernet Franc family that originated in Southwest France. It appears as a blending partner in several appellations across the southwest, and was once a regular member of Bordeaux blends, but now it sees the limelight only in Marcillac. Domaine du Cros's rendition of this characterful grape packs an incredible amount of complexity in such a well-priced package: bright, fresh raspberry, rhubarb, lightly smoked paprika, sanguine earth and violets are all found here. A relatively light body, gentle tannins and high acidity make it a highly versatile food wine. Enjoy it for this price now, before the rest of the world finds out about this country gem!