Appellation

Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge AOC from 2008 vintage onwards. Previous vintages were Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge.

Vineyard area

22 hectares (54 acres) of red wine grapes

Terroir

average age of the vines: 15 years. The slope imparts good natural drainage to the soils made up of marl, sandy clay and molasse below, and quite recent silt towards the top.

Grape varieties

62% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon,12% Cabernet Franc

Harvest

by machine

Winemaking techniques

traditional method. All tanks are temperature-controlled. Alcoholic fermentation from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) lasting 2 to 3 weeks. Native yeasts. Aged in barrels for 16 months. Half the barrels used are new.

Annual production

130,000 bottles

Tasting notes

dark ruby robe, elegant nose with jammy aromas of black and red berries. Vanilla hints. Powerful, aromatic and elegant, subtle and silky.

Owner

Jean Merlaut

Oenologist

Christian Sourdes

Cellar master

Caroline THIENPONT BAILLET