Alcohol: 14.5%
Grape(s): 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
Localization: Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Tasting Notes: This very inviting Right Bank blend is rich in ripe cherry and cassis, with floral notes and earthy, mineral undertones. Touched by new French oak, you will find fine tannins and a long finish. A great value for a delicious Montagne-St-Emilion.
Notes: The grapes are harvested by hand, followed by traditional vinification. Alcoholic fermination in stainless steel vats, under modern temperature control.
The Domain: La Courolle has been owned by the Guimberteau familly for over a 100 years, with 4th generation Rodolph now in charge.
Marked by its historic fortified village—perhaps the prettiest in Bordeaux- the St-Émilion appellation, along with its neighboring village of Pomerol, are leaders in quality on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. These Merlot-dominant red wines (complemented by various amounts of Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon) remain some of the most admired and collected wines of the world.
St-Émilion has the longest history in wine production in Bordeaux—longer than the Left Bank—dating back to an 8th century monk named Saint Émilion who became a hermit in one of the many limestone caves scattered throughout the area.
Today St-Émilion is made up of hundreds of independent farmers dedicated to the same thing: growing Merlot and Cabernet Franc (and tiny amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon). While always roughly the same blend, the wines of St-Émilion vary considerably depending on the soil upon which they are grown—and the soils do vary considerably throughout the region.
The chateaux with the highest classification (Premier Grand Cru Classés) are on gravel-rich soils or steep, clay-limestone hillsides. There are only four given the highest rank, called Premier Grand Cru Classés A (Chateau Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Angélus, Pavie) and 14 are Premier Grand Cru Classés B. Much of the rest of the vineyards in the appellation are on flatter land where the soils are a mix of gravel, sand and alluvial matter.
