Chateau Bonalgue 2017, Pomerol

Description

Chateau Bonalgue 2017 is a classic right bank Bordeaux of real depth and character. It is rich, generous and beautifully crafted as quality Pomerol should be. The wine exhibits ripe plum and dark fruit at the core, underpinned by the iron-tinged earthiness that is the unmistakable signature of this extraordinary appellation. Consulting winemaking from Michel Rolland’s team is evident in its polish and precision. Buy Chateau Bonalgue 2017 online and in-store from Fareham Wine Cellar.

Chateau Bonalgue Estate Vineyards

The vineyards of Chateau Bonalgue are planted with 90% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc completing the other 10%. They comprise a surface area of 7.55 hectares on gravel and sandy-clay soils, with a subsoil of gravels and alios – the rich band of iron-ore that so distinguishes the Pomerol terroir. These qualities make this a heat-retaining soil, which means grapes ripen early and evenly, reaching perfect maturity.

The vines are an average of 25 years old, and the precise and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard means they produce quality grapes year after year. Great care is taken in the vineyard with pruning, leaf thinning, debudding, and green harvesting.

Chateau Bonalgue Vinification

• Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested into small trays to prevent crushing
• These are sorted twice in the vineyard, first bunch by bunch, then berry by berry
• The grapes are vinified plot by plot with manual pump-overs, cap punching and délestage as required
• One month maceration followed by gentle pneumatic pressing
• Malolactic fermentation in barrel
• Chateau Bonalgue 2017 is aged 18 months in fine-grained French oak (50% new, 50% second fill)
• Bottled as approximately 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
• Around 35,000 bottles are produced annually

Origins of Château Bonalgue

Chateau Bonalgue is located in the Pomerol wine growing appellation of Bordeaux. During the French Revolution, the first reference to vines in the “Graves de Bonalgue” area appeared in local archives. A veteran from Napoleon’s Grand Army, Captain Rabion, inherited the land and built a handsome residence. The building housed his regimental arms, and the garden was filled with magnificent Lebanese Cedar trees; Chateau Bonalgue was born.

Acquisition by Famille Bourotte

The Bourotte family bought Chateau Bonalgue in 1926, and it remains in the same family today. The vineyard today is in excellent condition, and the property continues to improve and to refine its methods, while always paying tribute to the exceptional terroir of Bonalgue. As well as Bonalgue, the Bourotte family also own Clos du Clocher and Château Monregard La Croix in Pomerol, Château Les Hauts-Conseillants in Lalande de Pomerol and Château du Courlat in Lussac Saint-Emilion, amongst others.

This is a classic Pomerol Bordeaux wine with excellent balance, ideal for drinking now or short-term cellaring. A consistent performer within the appellation, valued for its reliability and classical style. Buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar, with delivery across the UK.