Château Malartic-Lagravière
Château Malartic-Lagravière
【Complexity and elegance drawn from the terroir of the Graves】
Château Malartic-Lagravière is rooted in the classic gravel soils of Pessac-Léognan, a Grand Cru whose reds and whites alike are admired the world over. The red is built around Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with judicious touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot; the vineyard is farmed to bring out the fullest character of each variety. Yields are held in check and only perfectly ripe fruit is picked by hand, giving wines that are at once concentrated and vividly fruited.
In the cellar, careful control of fermentation temperature and maceration length fine-tunes the extraction of colour and the texture of the tannins. Ageing takes place in French oak, with the balance of new to used barrels and the level of toast chosen with great care to lend the wine depth and complexity. The white, largely Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, is fermented and aged in barrel while keeping its fruit fresh, arriving at a generous aromatic profile and beautifully poised acidity.
Above all, Malartic-Lagravière aims to render its terroir faithfully. The reds harmonise blackberry and cassis with spice and a mineral thread; the whites offer citrus and white flowers alongside a nutty, creamy texture. In recent years the estate has adopted biodynamic practices, with close attention to soil life and vine health. The wines have the structure to age for many years, yet an immediate freshness that rewards drinking young.
