Château de Barbe Blanche | Red
AOC Lussac-Saint-Emilion
AOC Lussac-Saint-Emilion
This Château de Barbe Blanche Cuvée Henri IV is produced on a terroir ideally situated on a clay-limestone hillside in Lussac, facing the best slopes of Saint-Émilion. Merlot is king here, and regularly produces deep, classic, flavoursome wines.
Varietal
Merlot : 75%
Cabernet franc : 25%
Alcohol content
14% vol.
Weather conditions
2018 was one of the warmest years since 1900, featuring above-average temperatures, the second hottest summer to date, and abundant sunshine... Heavy rainfall in the first half of the year was followed by persistent, near-record drought conditions in September.
Harvest
23 September - 13 October 2018
Tasting
Limpid, beautiful intensity, colour is dark red, close to garnet. The nose, with beautiful complexity, is marked by notes of black fruits (Morello cherry, blackberry) very ripe, associated with a light toastiness. A lot of suppleness on the attack. Volume in the middle of the mouth, balance and roundness: these are the qualities of this wine. Notes of slightly toasted fruit are added to a melted tannic structure. Elegant and full of finesse, this wine has good ageing potential.
Terroir
On a clay-limestone shelf with about 1 meter of clay on the surface. At the foot of the hills, clay-siliceous soil with light sand.
In the vineyard
Pruning type: Double Guyot.
Grape Harvest: Mechanical harvest.
Winemaking
In stainless-steel temperature-controlled tanks. Approximately 3 weeks (subject to vintage and ripeness of tannins).
Ageing
For 12 months in oak barrels (50% new) with racking each trimester.
Serving
Serve between 15°C and 17°C
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Food pairings
Pheasant terrine, scrambled eggs, stuffed cabbage or veal paupiettes.
Château de Barbe Blanche is nestled in the heart of the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, on the slopes of the prestigious Saint-Émilion terroir. Located just a few kilometers from Libourne, on the right bank of Bordeaux, the estate is set in romantic surroundings, surrounded by rose bushes and discreet gardens. Here, Merlot, the king of grape varieties, flourishes alongside Cabernet Franc, emblematic of the region. Together, they produce elegant red wines with a silky tannic structure and exceptional ageing potential, embodying all the richness of the great Bordeaux wines.