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Appellation Bordeaux Supérieur Localization: Ruch near Castillon
(one of the highest hill of region) Surface area: 63 hectares, but only
27 with vineyards (25ha red, 2ha white) Grape varities: 63% Merlot, 23%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc Average age of vines: 15 years Plantation Density: 40% 3300 vines/ha 60% 5000 vines/ha |
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Harvest: Mechanical with manual
sorting Fermentation: In thermoregulated
vats between 25 and 34ºC Maceration: 3 to 4 weeks depending
on the grapes quality Ageing: 14 to 16 months, 100% in
French oak, a third new. Production:
8000 cs of first growth, 2000 cs of second growth. |
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Michael Apstein
Shelf Talker
Case Card
Steven Muse Review
Other Shelf Talker Courteillac is a very old Domaine in
the Entre-Deux-Mers, owned at the beginning of the XXth century by Henri de Foussat de Bogeron, one of the
most fervent restorers of the vineyards after the phylloxera crisis. But it
wasn't until the 1980s that Courteillac regained its place among the top
Chateaux of the region. In 1982 Stéphane Asséo, after some
years travelling the world, was settled by his father on the Domaine (owner
of Château Fleur-Cardinal). But it was hardly a gift, as an enormous amount
of work was required. The vineyards and cellars were in terrible shape and
the wines needed a great deal of improvement. Stéphane worked hard, and after
three vintages his wines started winning awards.In a few more years he was
considered a star of Entre-Deux-Mers. In 1997 he was once again seduced by
the spirit of adventure. He sold the property to the négociant Bernard &
Meneret, and left to try his luck in California (his new winery is called L'Aventure). Bernard & Meneret, long-time fans
of Asseo's talents, remain just as committed to the domaine and its standards
of excellence. The wines are as elegant, deep and aromatically refined as
they ever were. |
Domaine de Courteillac
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