Malartic Lagravière rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2020
Domaine de Lagravière, recognized since time immemorial for its excellent terroir, was purchased at the end of the eighteenth century by the family of Count Hippolyte de Maurès de Malartic. Serving the armies of the Kings of France, this Admiral fought against the English on the many seas of the world, showing special bravery in 1756 during the battle of Quebec.
The estate was then bought in 1850 by Madame Arnaud Ricard, who added the name Malartic to that of Lagravière as a tribute to the former owners.
After land reorganisation and the acquisition of some small plots, the estate took on the form which it was to keep until the 1950s.
The Marly family were the last of the Ricard ancestry to run the Château. Of particular note, Jacques Marly was estate manager from 1947 to 1990.
Having enjoyed an excellent reputation from the beginning of the nineteenth century, Château Malartic-Lagravière was one of only six properties in Bordeaux to enter the 1953 Graves classification for both its red and white wines.
At the end of 1996, the Château entered a new era with the arrival of the Bonnie family who are still owns it.
Key Points
- Family owned and managed
- Malartic Lagravière was the wine served at the american cinematheque gala ceremony in Los Angeles in November 2019, honnoring Charlize Theron
- A good quality and well rated wine
Area
62 ha of red
Soils
Quaternary Günzian well-drained gravels and clay gravels on shelly limestone and clay subsoil
Harvest
Manual harvest by intra-plot passes, double sorting tables
Certifications
Sustainable farming, High Environmental Value certification level 3, ISO 14001 (EMS)
Vinification
Double cap, thermoregulated stainless steel and oak vats. Fermentation: 21 to 23 days
Ageing
Early blending, traditional on fine lees in French oak barrels, new oak 65%. About 18 months
Tasting
The Malartic 2020s are characterized by excellent density; their concentration is balanced by a remarkable freshness. The tannins are very sleek and elegant in this particularly well-balanced vintage. The reds, showing a very Cabernet style, develop superb aromatic power accompanied by tremendous freshness. With a silky and elegant structure, the palate is bright, lively, long and dense.