About this WINE
Chateau Carbonnieux
The vineyards of Château Carbonnieux, in the superior Pessac-Léognan appellation, in the Graves region of Bordeaux, can trace its history back to the 13th century, but the history of the modern Carbonnieux dates from the 1950s, when Marc Perrin acquired the estate. A complete fresh start was made at this time when the harsh winter of 1956 wiped out the remaining vines in what were by that time rather unkempt vineyards. The new plantings were laid out to the plan perfected in the 18th century when the Château was at its peak.
Since the 1980s Carbonnieux has been producing excellent red and white wines, in the classic Pessac- Léognan style. The whites are made from roughly two thirds Sauvignon Blanc and one third Sémillon and the reds from two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one third Merlot. The whites are barrel-fermented and spend 10 further months in the barrel on the lees, one third of which are new, each year. The reds spend 18 months in barrel that are also one third new.
Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
The blend used for White Graves and Sauternes and rarely encountered outside France. In the great dry whites of Graves, Sauvignon Blanc tends to predominate in the blend, although properties such as Smith Haut Lafite use 100% Sauvignon Blanc while others such as Laville Haut Brion have as much as 60% Sémillon in their final blends. Sauvignon Blanc wines can lose their freshness and fruit after a couple of years in bottle - if blended with Sémillon, then the latter bolsters the wine when the initial fruit from the Sauvignon fades. Ultimately Sauvignon Blanc gives the wine its aroma and raciness while Sémillon gives it backbone and longevity.
In Sauternes, Sémillon is dominant, with Sauvignon Blanc playing a supporting role - it is generally harvested about 10 days before Sémillon and the botrytis concentrates its sweetness and dampens Sauvignon Blanc`s naturally pungent aroma. It contributes acidity, zip and freshness to Sauternes and is an important component of the blend.
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Description
Although Ch. Carbonnieux is one of the best-known names of the Graves, this wine is rarely seen outside France where it sells particularly well in the restaurant trade. It is actually a special cuvée, not a second wine, and we are lucky to have a secured a parcel for Wine Club. Sauvignon dominates the blend, with Sémillon, typically, adding volume on the palate.
A bright lemon/light straw colour. An aromatic, zesty, nose of cut grass, verbena and tropical fruit. Equally clean and fresh on the palate. Crunchy, white currant and lychee fruit, with beautifully balanced acidity and a fine, racy finish. Drink now to 2017.
Sauvignon Blanc 65%, Semillon 35%
Philip Moulin, Wine Buyer
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