Style
Type
Still
Winemaker
M. André Vincent
Appellation
Graves
Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Viticulture
15 hectares are planted to red grapes in the proportions: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Each variety and parcel is vinified separately.
Farming
Sustainable
Vineyard
The vineyard totals 18.5 hectares with 15 hectares in red grapes and 3.5 hectares in white grapes. Through the purchase of his neighbor’s well-established vineyard, M. Vincent achieved an average vine age of 30 years, with certain parcels being between 40 and 50 years old. The vineyard ground is worked throughout the year, including “chaussage et dechaussage,” a traditional method of protecting the vine over the winter by covering the base of the plants with soil just after harvest and then removing it in the spring. The vines are pruned using the “guyot double” method with each cane limited to four buds. Yields are controlled through “ébourgeonnage” bud pulling and then if still necessary “vendange en vert” green harvesting.
Vinification
Maceration lasts at least a month including a pre-fermentation “cold soak” which occurs before the temperature is raised in the tanks and the yeasts begin working. M. Vincent prefers to use cultivated yeasts for his alcoholic fermentations, a different one for each varietal. By contrast, the malolactic fermentations are carried out with only indigenous yeasts. An initial assemblage is made after the different cuvees have finished their malolactic fermentations. Less than 70ppm of SO2 are added.
Aging
The wine is aged in oak barrels procured from the Allier which range between 2/3 new, depending on the vintage. The wine matures for 12 to 18 months. A final blend is then made from a selection of barrels.
Features
Bottle, Cork
Available Sizes (L)
0.750
Distribution Area
New Jersey and New York
Shelf Talkers
Tech Sheets
Tasting Note
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc; extremely smooth, with great richness, aromatic complexity, and a sound structure. Well integrated notes of dark red fruit, tobacco, crushed herbs, and subtle minerality. Drinks well now.
2 Commerce Dr. Suite 3 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Office 800.245.0184
Fax 856.985.5848
