Reviewing the Chateau Carbonnieux 2015 Grand Cru Classé de Graves

 

Located in the Pessac-Léognan region of the Graves, Chateau Carbonnieux is known for its production of red and white wines. Thanks to the clay–limestone terroir, this area produces some of the best dry white wines in the Bordeaux region.

The chateau was built in 1380 during the Hundred Years War and overlooks one of the largest vineyards in the Graves region. The Bordeaux Hospices originally owned it. From 1519 to 1740, the Ferron family and then the Councillors at the Parliament of Guyenne resided there. In 1740, the Benedictine monks from Sainte-Croix abbey in Bordeaux purchased the property, renovated the estate, replanted the vineyards and began making wine.

Marc Perrin purchased the estate in 1956. He and his son Antony, who now manages it, have spent time restoring the Château, upgrading the vineyard and modernizing the working areas. The estate now grows 111 acres of red grapes varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc along with 106 acres of the white grape varieties of Semillon and Sauvignon grapes.

The Chateau Carbonnieux, Grand Cru Classé de Graves is a straw-colored light bodied wine. The “cru classé,” batches of Semillon and Sauvignon grapes are blended to create structure from the Semillon grapes, and the Sauvignon grapes provide the vivid floral notes. The Grand Cru Classé de Graves opens with a citrus and floral nose followed by a light fruity flavor profile and a hint of vanilla on the finish. The wine is barrel aged for ten months before bottling.

Legend has it that the wine was served to the Sultan of Constantinople’s palace in the 18^th century. In order to slip past Islamic law, the wine was called “mineral water from Carbonnieux,” which everyone could then enjoy.

This wine is a standout when chilled well and paired with fowl or seafood off the grill, or served with a fruity dessert. May be cellared from 4-7 years. Enjoy!

Joy