Château Charmail 2017

2017 was a year of extremes, with the infamous frost in late April severely affecting many vineyards in Bordeaux. Fortunately, Château Charmail’s proximity to the Gironde estuary provided a protective buffer, sparing much of the estate from the worst damage. Summer brought dry conditions with sporadic rainfall, allowing the vines to regain their balance. The clay-limestone soils retained enough moisture to sustain the Merlot through the hot spells, while the well-drained gravel plots ensured the Cabernets flourished despite the challenging conditions.

The harvest in 2017 was relatively early, beginning on September 18th, and was marked by careful precision. The earlier ripening Merlot came in first, followed by the Cabernets and Petit Verdot. Despite the challenging year, the grapes were harvested in excellent condition, thanks to rigorous sorting in both the vineyard and the winery. This ensured that only the best fruit made it into the final blend, resulting in a vintage with vibrant freshness and elegance.

In 2017, vinification focused on extracting purity and elegance from the fruit. Cold maceration lasted for 10 days, followed by fermentation at moderate temperatures. The aim was to capture the delicate aromatics and finesse of the vintage, with minimal intervention. The result is a wine that expresses the fresh, fruity character of the year, with well-integrated tannins that promise graceful aging.

The 2017 vintage marked a turning point in Château Charmail’s aging process. For the first time, 3% of the wine was aged in concrete egg-shaped vats, while the remaining 97% was aged in 225L oak barrels, with 33% new oak. The concrete eggs allowed the wine to evolve more naturally, preserving its vibrant character, while the oak added depth and complexity. This blend of aging techniques resulted in a balanced wine with both freshness and complexity, showing Charmail’s innovative spirit alongside its commitment to tradition.