Description
Wines have been made at Château Macquin since 1885, when their first cellar was developed by François-Albert Macquin, the first person to re-plant vines in the Saint-Émilion region following the 19th Century phylloxera outbreak. Today, the Château is run by his grandson Denis and his wife Christine Corre-Macquin, who own 27 hectares of vines in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The duo is involved in every decision from vine-growing to winemaking, to ensure quality is maintained vintage to vintage.
Château Macquin is located three kilometres north of Saint-Émilion in the village of Saint-Georges, the smallest Bordeaux appellation at just 180 hectares. Sitting 89 metres above sea level, Saint-Georges enjoys one of the best elevations on the right bank, giving the wines freshness and concentration. The south-facing vines, some as old as 60 years, are planted on a combination of clay and limestone soils. Sustainability is a crucial part of Denis and Christine’s philosophy. Their vineyards are sustainably farmed without using herbicides, pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Instead ‘proteodies’ are broadcast to the vines, as musical vibrations have been proven to combat certain vine diseases.
The final wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in concrete and temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. A third of the wine is aged in 25% new French oak for one year, giving the wine structure and complexity without being overpowering. The resulting intense aromas of ripe raspberry and blackcurrant, are coupled with spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper, complemented by lifted acidity and a lingering finish.