2011 Morgon, Charmes, Château Grange Cochard
Critics reviews
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com, 20 Nov 2012
About this WINE
Chateau Grange Cochard
James and Sarah Wilding of Château Grange Cochard have abandoned St Albans for the charms of the Beaujolais countryside and a delightful property close to Morgon with some fine vineyard holdings, all benefiting from old vines.
Their first vintage at Château Grange Cochard was 2009. The estate consists of 6 hectares of vines, in the appellation of Morgon, including 1.5 hectares on the renowned old volcano of Côte du Py, all within a few hundred metres of the chateau. Most of the vines are between 40 and 100 years old. Their age results in low yields with intense small berries supplying complex structure, discreet tannins, and dark fruit flavours.
The classic Morgon vieilles vignes cuvee is matured in old, 3000 litre oak foudres which allow the wine to soften and fully integrate the fruits and tannins.
Chateau Grange Cochard is committed to sustainable viticulture, following a policy of minimum intervention with increased use of natural farming methods to nourish the soil and maintain a healthy and balanced eco-system. Grass is planted between rows of vines which reduces erosion and naturally restricts weed growth. No insecticides or pesticides are applied and no artificial irrigation systems are used.
Gamay
A French variety planted predominately in Beaujolais where it is the grape behind everything from light and often acidic Beaujolais Nouveau through to the more serious and well-structured wines from the 10 cru villages. It takes its name from a hamlet just outside Chassagne-Montrachet and was at one stage widely planted on the Côte d`Or. However it was gradually phased out due to its poor yield and supposed poor quality of its wines.
The majority of Gamay wines in Beaujolais are labelled as Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages and are deliciously juicy, easy drinking, gulpable wines. Of more interest are the Cru wines from the 10 villages in the north of the region where the soil is predominantly granitic schist and where the vines are planted on gently undulating slopes. These can be well-structured, intensely perfumed wines, redolent of ripe black fruits and, while delicious young, will reward medium term cellaring.
Gamay is also grown in the Touraine region of the Loire where it produces soft, well-balanced, gluggable wines for drinking young.
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Description
Everywhere in Greater Burgundy a vineyard called Charmes is likely to deliver sensual wines of substance, and this is no different. The cuvée is entirely destemmed and matured in oak barrels. Rich bright purple, the bouquet suggests a delicious richness of fruit, though only in its infancy. Old vines with small berries have produced a wine of unusual density, supported by the perfect level of acidity. 2013-2016.
(Jasper Morris MW, Berrys' Beaujolais Buyer, October 2012)
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