Viticulture
The vines used to make this 100% Malbec wine average between 27 and 35 years old and are Guyot pruned to one arm at a density of 1,619 to 2,453 vines per acre. The grapes are grown on two distinct “Terroirs”: Plateau: above the valley floor, with plentiful sun exposure. Rock-strewn surface with two feet of red clay and iron concretions over calcareous flagstone and patches of blue clay. Valley 3rd and 4th Terrace): Situated above the banks of the Lot River the third terrace is composed of sandy-clay soils formed in the Quaternary Period; poor soils with excellent drainage. As for the 4th terrace, it’s composed of limestone screw from the plateau and some very ancient alluvial deposit and gravel from the river.
Winemaking
Fermentation in small stainless steel tanks. 3-day cold soak. Punch-downs and pump-overs for optimal soft tannin extraction. Total skin contact 22 days. The wine is barrel aged for 18 months in 50% new, 50% 1-year used French oak barrels.
Oak Ageing
Time: 18 months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 50