Château Vray Croix de Gay

Located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, Château Vray Croix de Gay's history dates back to the 18th century when it was part of the larger Château La Croix de Gay estate. Over time, the property was divided, and Château Vray Croix de Gay emerged as a separate entity. The estate is currently owned by the Lasserre family, who have been involved in the wine business for several generations.

The vineyards of Château Vray Croix de Gay cover approximately 4 hectares and are planted with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, preserving the natural environment and producing high-quality grapes.

The winemaking is overseen by renowned winemaker Michel Rolland, known for his expertise in crafting rich and expressive wines. The wines are typically characterised by their elegance, complexity, and ageing potential.

While Château Vray Croix de Gay is not classified as a Grand Cru Classé in the Bordeaux wine classification system, it is considered one of the top estates in Pomerol.

Pomerol

Pomerol is the smallest of Bordeaux's major appellations, with about 150 producers and approximately 740 hectares of vineyards. It is home to many bijou domaines, many of which produce little more than 1,000 cases per annum.

Both the topography and architecture of the region is unremarkable, but the style of the wines is most individual. The finest vineyards are planted on a seam of rich clay which extends across the gently-elevated plateau of Pomerol, which runs from the north-eastern boundary of St Emilion. On the sides of the plateau, the soil becomes sandier and the wines lighter.

There is one satellite region to the immediate north, Lalande-de-Pomerol whose wines are stylistically very similar, if sometimes lacking the finesse of its neighbour. There has never been a classification of Pomerol wines.

Recommended Châteaux : Ch. Pétrus, Vieux Ch. Certan, Le Pin, Ch. L’Eglise-Clinet, Ch. La Conseillante, Ch. L’Evangile, Ch. Lafleur, Trotanoy, Ch. Nenin, Ch. Beauregard, Ch. Feytit-Clinet, Le Gay.

Merlot/Cabernet Franc

Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grape varieties commonly used in Bordeaux-style blends, particularly in the Bordeaux region of France. When these two grapes are blended, they can create a wine that combines the best characteristics of each variety.

Merlot is known for its smoothness, soft tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. It often contributes black cherry, plum, and chocolate flavours to the blend. The grapes are relatively easy to grow and ripen earlier than other Bordeaux varieties, making them versatile for blending.

Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, adds structure, depth, and complexity to the blend. It typically brings aromas of red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, along with herbal notes like bell pepper and tobacco. These grapes have thinner skins and can be more challenging to cultivate, requiring specific growing conditions to reach their full potential.

When Merlot and Cabernet Franc are combined, the result is a well-balanced wine with various flavours and aromas. The blend often exhibits a Bordeaux wine's medium to full body, along with a smooth texture and moderate tannins. The specific flavour profile can vary depending on the proportions of each grape in the blend and the terroir and winemaking techniques employed.