The Vines

The choice of grafting stock and grape varieties was made with the following aims:

- perfect appropriateness for the land
- originality, modernity and quality of the future wines

The grafts chosen are resistant to lime. On the limestone outcrop (40% of the surface area of the vineyard) only 161-49C were planted (often found in the Fronsac area and on the slopes of St Emilion). Some examples of Fercal wherever the risk of ferric chlorosis was established (6% of the surface area). Then the choice of 101-14 qualitative grafting-stock, chosen for its early fruiting and its successful adaptation to clay soils.

The varieties of grape chosen are:

Merlot

Which, due to its early fruiting, adapts well to clay soils and – thanks to the additional presence of limestone – is able to demonstrate its aromatic and complex polyphenolitic characteristics. This combination of plant and soil results in silky, full-bodied and very aromatic wines. Merlot makes up 80% of the grape varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Planted over 17% of the vineyard, to give a touch of character to the wine, a long-lasting flavour in the mouth and a good aromatic complexity. It lends a fine spicy character to the wine. This variety has been planted in an area of finer-textured soil, and planted higher, where it is hotter, to favour the maturation of the very rich and complex tannins of the grape. The hallmark of the great Bordeaux wines.

Le Petit Verdot

An ancestral variety of the Bordeaux region, planted on 3% of the vineyard to bring the original character to the wine. Planted in the Médoc, but very little in l’Entre-Deux-Mers, it requires particular attention to its propagation, since this ancient variety has a wilder growing habit (bringing with it the risk of branches breaking in the wind, small bunches of grapes growing too closely together, and sensitivity to ‘oïdium’). This variety has also been planted in a zone which is hot and well-drained to allow for full maturity. It is a variety capable of producing, with full maturity, complex aromas, sometimes very peppery, with very full tannins.

The vines were planted in mid-April 2004 in order to benefit from the greater rainfall during this period, which is conducive to the plants establishing well. No watering was necessary.
The North/South orientation of the rows of vines allows for an optimal time in full sun for the grapes, giving rise to full synthesis of polyphenols. The wines have a beautiful, deep dark colour.
Planting at 1.50m / 1.10m gives a planting density of 6060 vines per hectare. This is a good balance for the soil area and optimises the likelihood of achieving the desired quality of our wines. The planting of the stock was done in staggered rows to give the roots the maximum area of exposure to the sun.