The Estate
The origins of Chateau Cantemerle date back to the Middle Ages; documents from the year 1354 reveal that viticultural production was a major aspect of the estate almost from the very beginning. It wasn’t until the 15th century, however, that wine making became the main industry of Cantemerle. Ownership of the Chateau changed hands many times over the centuries, from the Villeneuve de Durfort family in 1579, to the Dubos family in 1892. Today, it covers an area of about 90 hectares and is managed by SMABTP Group, one of the first insurance companies to take possession of a vineyard in Bordeaux.
The Soil
The soils of Cantemerle are a combination of silica and gravel which are the result of erosion of the Pyrenees by the Garonne 1,000 years ago. These soils have excellent filtration and good heat absorption, however they are poor in nutrients, resulting in hardy vines that produce grapes of high concentration.
The Vines
Cantemerle is planted with vines on average about 30 years old; 60% are Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Since the vines have to send their roots down deep into the soil in order to obtain the nutrients they require, the resulting grapes and wine express the terroir on an intimate level.
Vinification
There is a green harvest, and leaf thinning is practiced, with eventual yields up to 55 hl/ha. Hand selection is done in the vineyard, using 4 sorting tables. On arriving at the winery, the grapes are 100% destemmed before up to 30 days maceration and fermentation in conical wooden vats for the best parcels, stainless steel for the rest. A practice unique to Cantemerle is selective devatting, by which only the middle section of the cap is pressed. The upper layer, which includes oxidized grape matter, and the lower layers of pips and other materials, are not included. The wine then sees a year or so in oak with 50% new barrels each year, and only a light fining-no filtration-before bottling.
[/accordion_section]Wines and Production
The resulting grand vin is Château Cantemerle, with an annual production of about 25,000 cases. In addition, there is a second wine, Les Allées des Cantemerle, of which 12,500 cases are typically produced.
Chateau Cantemerle 5ème Grand Cru Classé Haut-Médoc
Production Area: 87 hectares
Soil: Silica and gravel of the quaternary era
Grape Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old
Plant Density: 8,300 plants/ha
Growing Method: Médoc double Guyot; deleafing, grape thinning
Harvest: Manual with selective sorting in the vineyard; green harvest
Vinification: Total destemming, followed by hand-sorting before crushing of grapes. Fermentation lasts 6-8 days at a controlled temperature of 26-28C. Maceration for 28-30 days.
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (50% new wood). Ultra light fining is done prior to bottling, but no filtration
Tasting Notes: Clean and lively, with leather and prune notes. The structure is solid, with graceful tannins and volume on the palate.
Food Pairings: The Chateau Cantemerle is the perfect compliment to a grilled lamb chop
Les Allées de Cantemerle
Overview: This is the Second Wine of Chateau Cantemerle which is produced from the estate’s younger vines. Its is made using the same methods as the Grand Vin, and has similar characteristics but a shorter aging potential. This wine is made to be consumed within several years of the vintage.
Grape Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Vinification: Total destemming, followed by hand-sorting before crushing of grapes. Fermentation lasts 6-8 days at a controlled temperature of 26-28C. Maceration for 28-30 days.
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels and vats. Ultra light fining prior to bottling
Annual Production: 160,000 bottles
Tasting Notes: Consistently supple and elegant; Les Allées de Cantemerle has a full freshness and a delicate, pleasant fruitiness with notes of coffee and wild flowers. Fine tannins, low acidity, and subtle aromas.
Cellaring Potential: To be consumed in its youth or within several years of its vintage