Sichel Saint Emilion De Classified Grand Vin De Bordeaux

Bottle notes

With the Sichel range we offer the consumer wines that are vinified with the highest levels of competence, selected with severity always representative of the label of origin and which remain affordable. They are quality wines produced to bring guaranteed pleasure.

BACKGROUND

One of the most prestigious Bordeaux appellations, spread across 9 villages. Situated around the village of Saint Emilion, which was declared a World Heritage site in 1999, the appellation covers a wide variety of terroirs. The sandy, alluvial soils along the Dordogne give way in the north to calcareous clay slopes culminating in a limestone plateau. Here, the Merlot and Cabernet Franc are able to express their full potential and offer smooth, creamy and remarkably well-balanced wines.

TERROIR

Though the mix of varieties is identical, with Merlot predominating, the different crus are highly diverse owing first and foremost to the type and character of the soils. Here, a multitude of different soil types occur within a very restricted area. On the Saint-Émilion plateau, the hillsides and at the foot of the slopes, the soil lies thin on top of limestone subsoil. On the plain, the soil is made up of much deeper sand and clay.

WINEMAKING/MATURING

Most of the harvesting is done by hand when the grapes have reached ideal maturity. At the winery, the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, then put in fermenters. The grapes are heated to around 22°C to give a rapid start to fermentation. The must is pumped over and aerated twice daily to extract as much colour and tannin as possible. When alcoholic fermentation is complete, the vats are maintained at a temperature of around 30°C for 15 to 21 days. After de-vatting, malolactic fermentation takes place in the vat. Elevage then lasts 10 to 14 months, the wine being racked every four weeks. Before bottling, the wines are fined and then powder-filtered.

TASTING NOTES

This deep purple wine opens with nuances of ripe and candied fruit (blackcurrant, cherry) underlined by notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Supple, the attack opens the way to a perfectly balanced, tasty and aromatic palate. The finish lingers on a velvety texture, confirming the finesse and undeniable charm of this beautiful bottle. It will go wonderfully on meat in sauce as well as on a nice piece of grilled beef.

AGEING

Ready for drinking after two years in the bottle and can be laid down for up to ten years.

Details

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Grape: 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Volume: 75cl

Closure: Cork