Originally built in the 17th century, Château Loudenne is one of the oldest Cru Bourgeois properties. The humble pink chateau sits on the banks of the Gironde where it is one of the first Châteaux to greet visitors who enter the Médoc from the Atlantic via the Gironde.
“There is no great vineyard which does not overlook the river…..”. Its gravelly ridges slope gently down towards the Gironde estuary act like mirrors. Château Loudenne also benefits from sea breezes which are propitious for ripening the grapes: concentration through evaporation and slight humidity. The soils are predominantly of clay, limestone and Garonne gravel.
In stainless steel and concrete vats lined with epoxy resin. Vatting time is about three weeks with regular punching down of the cap and pumping over. Malolactic fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels as the aromas from the wood are much better integrated into the wine. This old technique provides more roundness to the wine as well as silky tannins. 30% of the French oak barrels are renewed every year. Choosing different coopers for each wine enables more aromatic complexity. This wine spent 16 months in French oak barrels.
After a mild February, temperatures soared in April but then sunk in May and flowering was a week later than the norm.
Rain and May’s chronic lack of sunshine endured until August, bringing the constant threat of mildew. Unceasing work (and treatment) in the vineyards was needed to maintain healthy grapes and then reduce yields in the harvest run-up.
Although August began warm and sunny, rain and cooler weather soon returned, swelling the berries and creating huge variety in the relative development of various plots and vineyards. By September growers were desperate, but then came 64 days of unbroken sunshine – and a long, drawn-out harvest at last got underway. Picking dates were crucial.
Deep colour. Layered, expressive nose combining red and black fruits, ageing notes and a hint of terroir. Full, well-structured on the palate, fine substance. Well-combined parts displaying great classical character.
Ideal with lamb and other red meats, including fowl, holding up well to rich sauces.
Serve at room temperature
AOC Médoc, Bordeaux
40% Cabernet Sauvignon
55% Merlot
4% Cabernet Franc
1% Malbec
Natural Cork
12.5%