The name
of Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle came from a canon at the Collegiate Church
named Balestard, and an eye-catching sight of the old watchtower (Tonnelle)
which had been in the estate for six centuries. 
Back in
the 15th century the French poet Francois Villon had already praised
the estate named Balestard in a poem, and this poem is now printed on the label
of the wine. All that demonstrated the ancient viticulture, which has a history
exceeding 500 years.
The
estate has been under the Capdemourlin family for many years, who is a notable
vinous dynasty of significance in St-Emilion. Twelve generations of the family
has resided in the estate, and now it is run by Thierry Capdemourlin, who also
controls other properties including Chateau Cap de Mourlin and Petit Faurie de
Soutard.
It is
located on the eastern edge of the town, close to Soutard, La Couspaude and
Villemaurine, at the clay-limestone slopes of the plateau. With a total
vineyard area of 10.6 hectares, the plantings are 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet
Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with average vine age of 33 years. Historically
there was Malbec in the vineyard but now it was replanted probably by Merlot.
Pruned
in traditional double Guyot system, the vineyard is managed with limited
chemical treatment, and weeds are removed by working the soil. Manually
harvest, the grapes are put in small perforated crates before transporting to
the cellar.
The
grape is fermented half in epoxy-lined cement tanks, half in stainless steel,
with temperature control for both. Maceration lasts for at least 3 weeks,
followed by elevage lasting between 15 to 18 months, using 50% new oak and 50%
one-year oak. Consulted by Michel Rolland, the annual production is about 55,000
bottles.
The wine
may have less finesse compared with some other GCC but has definite rich and
mouthfilling flavors, and is full-bodied. Reasonably priced, it is easy to
drink and good to age for 10-20 years.
沒有留言:
張貼留言