Chateau de Chantegrive Rouge Graves 2018, Bordeaux, France

Chantegrive is situated in the only French appellation to bear the name of the soil which it consists of: the Graves appellation. Graves means gravel or pebbles. These are quartz, silex or jasper minerals rolled down from the Pyrennees by the prehistoric Garonne River. These stones store the heat of the sun during the day and restore it during the night, thus providing the important element of temperature consistency which results in the quality that is typical in the wines of the Graves appellation. The Graves vineyards are framed to the west by the forests of Les Landes, which protect the vines from oceanic storms, and to the east by the Garonne river, whose humidity prevents drought. Ever since the quaternary period our terroir has been created by the deposits of silt and rocks brought here from the Pyrenees by exceptional flooding of the Garonne River. This vintage is 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot provides smoothness, a velvety texture, as well as wild fruit and strawberry aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes a strong structure, refinement, and delicious blackcurrant aromas. It is full bodied and powerful when young, smooth and ample when the years have passed. The limestone and clay subsoil provides good balance. This wine combines freshness and refinement thanks to the two key grape varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet is dominated by red fruit aromas, which is also the case on the palate where spices and, for vintages in the hotter years, notes of blackberry and grilled almonds are also present. Cold pre-fermentary maceration prior to spending 3 to 4 weeks in temperature-controlled vats. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months.

$43.99