Fer; Fer Servadou [FAIR; FAIR sehr-vah-DOO]
A red-grape variety that’s grown primarily in Southwest France. It’s a minor ingredient in a number of growing areas like the Côtes du Marmandais AC, Côtes de Saint-Mont VDQS, Gaillac AC, and Madiran AC. However, Fer plays a more prominent role in the wines of Vins d’ Entraygues et du Fel VDQS, Vins d’ Estaing VDQS, and Marcillac AC. A small amount is also used in the Cabardès AC in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Fer provides good color, concentrated spicy flavors and aromas, and a softness that helps balance some of its blending partners in the rustic southwest wines. Argentina’s Fer variety is believed to be Malbec.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.