Terroir: 10 Ha (24 acres) of which 5 Ha (12 acres) are on chalky clay (Génissac) and 5 Ha (12 acres) on sandy gravel soil (St Sulpice de Faleyrens et Ste Terre).

Vines: Average age 35 years, planting density 5500 plants/Ha. Vineyards grassed and drained.

Viticulture: Deleafing and green harvesting, soil improvement using organic materials exclusively. Table sorting of grapes.

Average Yield: 45 Hl/Ha

Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled 200Hl stainless steel vats, long (30 days) vat fermentation, délestage (the juice is removed and poured back over the cap to moisten and break it up) and pigeage (the cap is forced into the juice).
Aging 14 months in barrels which were only used once before.

Tasting notes:

Guide Hachette:
"This merlot has aromas of black fruits, liquorice and moka. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with freshness, roundness, well integrated tannins, subtle oak and a long finish." (2008 vintage)
A further 10 mentions with stars since 1995
Editor's Choice twice.

Los Angeles Wine Challenge Competition:
Bronze medal (2008 vintage)

Bordeaux Competition:
Silver medal (2010 vintage) - Gold medal (2005 vintage)

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Click on the bottle to see a close up of the label

Denis Barraud - Chateau Les Gravieres - 33330 St-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens
Tel. +33 (0)55 784 5473 Fax +33 (0)55 784 5207

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