2019 Chateau Cantemerle

Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

In the mouth, silky tannins launch a symphony of spicy, peppery and fruity flavors upon the palate that are of great quality and generously supported by a long, full softness. The finish is lengthy and lively, neither limp nor harsh. A well-constructed balance is the foundation which supports a structure of freshness, elegance, persistence, and a perfectly controlled power.

About the producer

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 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 deep gravel soils of the Médoc are naturally poor in organic matter. High-density planting encourages competition between the vines which, combined with frequent ploughing and working over, forces the roots to dig deeper into the soil to find their necessary nutrition.The result is that yield is significantly reduced, allowing the grapes to reach maturity in the best conditions. Since the phylloxera crisis at the end of the nineteenth century, vines that used to be planted directly into the arth are grafted onto rootstock varieties that are resistant to it. There are many species of rootstock, each of which possesses particular qualities making it suitable for a certain soil type and planting density.