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CHÂTEAU CANTENAC BROWN, MARGAUX 3RD CRU CLASSÉ
Cantenac Brown possesses a vineyard of 42 hectares in the heart of the Margaux appellation, principally in the commune of Cantenac in the South of the appellation. The Margaux appellation terroirs are terraced groups of gravel, ensuring good drainage. The Cantenac Brown soil is typical Médoc gravel. This beautiful, brilliant quartz, formerly called the Médoc Diamonds reflects the sun?s rays on the grapes by day and then releases the heat stored during the day to warm the grapes by night. Cabernet's in particular do well in this soil, they produce fine wines with intense bouquet, which are suitable for ageing. Merlot with which they are blended provides the colour, richness and smoothness.
José Sanfins, the technical director and Hervé Martin, his vineyard manager, have installed a vineyard management system known as La Lutte Raisonnée which aims to limit chemical treatments and use natural products as much as possible.
Grapes: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Soil : Gravelly soil
Vinification: Grapes are hand harvested with 100% destemming. Maceration is for 15-20 days. Fermentation is carried out in thermo regulated stainless steel vats for 15 days at 29-30°C. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels and vats. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (50% new, 50% year old) for 15-18 months with racking every 3 months. Fining is by egg whites.
Colour: Intense red
Taste: This classic wine is characterised by a great finesse, elegance and power. The 2004 on the palate the wine has volume and great depth and richness complemented by silky tannins and an elegant complex finish.
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