Chateau Bellerose Figeac “Prestige”, St Emilion Grand Cru

Description

Chateau Bellerose Figeac is located in the west of the St Emilion vineyard area and comprises two parcels of vineyards – the greatest (8.25 ha) is in St Christophe des Bardes and is surrounded by some Classified growths: Balestard La Tonnelle, Dassault. The second is close to the St Emilion / Pomerol border, next to Chateau Figeac. This parcel, with its iron-rich “crasse de fer” soils similar to those of Pomerol, provides the majority of the grapes for the Prestige cuvee. Chateau Bellerose Figeac Prestige 2006 is a blend of Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). Vineyard management includes green harvest (leaf removal), grapes are harvested by hand and are sorted twice, once in the vineyard and again at the winery. The grapes undergo a long maceration (25 to 35 days) with micro-oxygenation and then malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is then aged for 8 to 15 months in new oak barrels. The property has been owned by Charles Leymarie & Fils since 1993 and consultant oenologist is Jean Marc Dournel who is part of Michel Rolland’s team. Approximately 4,500 cases produced per vintage.