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The Médoc Appellation
The Médoc, bordered by the river and the Atlantic Ocean, benefits from a temperate climate and ideal terrain conditions, making it a sought-after wine region since the 16th century.
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In the 18th century, the Médoc experienced significant development, becoming an emblematic icon of French viticulture, especially during the peak of British wine trade.
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Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde, the Médoc is one of the main appellations on the left bank of Bordeaux, covering an area of 16,500 hectares. Its name originates from the Latin term "inmédio-aquae," meaning "between the waters," emphasizing the abundance of water surrounding this appellation.
The soil of the Médoc is primarily composed of sand, clay, and gravel, forming a unique terrain on the left bank of Bordeaux. The high gravel content allows for excellent natural drainage, adding to the distinctive quality of this wine region.
The Vineyard
Located in the heart of the Médoc, in Lesparre-Médoc, Château Preuillac occupies a 30-hectare estate, contiguous and situated 10 km north of Saint Estèphe. Its south-facing orientation provides exceptional sun exposure, fostering optimal conditions for grape maturation.
Château Preuillac perpetuates Bordeaux tradition by cultivating the region's emblematic grape varieties. The vineyard is primarily composed of Merlot (52%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Petit Verdot (1%). This strategic choice of grape varieties has been carefully selected to complement the unique characteristics of the Château Preuillac terroirs.
Three types of soils are identified in the Preuillac vineyard: 60% sandy and sandy-gravelly, 30% consisting of sandy-gravelly brunisols and calcisols, and 9% composed of soils on colluvium. These different soil compositions play a significant role in the quality and characteristics of the grapes cultivated at Preuillac.
The Grapes
The vineyard is primarily composed of Merlot (52%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Petit Verdot (1%). This strategic choice of grape varieties has been carefully selected to complement the unique characteristics of the Château Preuillac terroirs.
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MERLOT
Merlot presents a wide aromatic palette, characterized by notes of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant. Its velvety texture in the mouth is supported by soft yet present tannins. Balanced, Merlot reveals an aromatic complexity that makes it appealing when consumed young, offering remarkable freshness. Additionally, it demonstrates appreciable aging potential, evolving in complexity and harmony over the years.
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CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Cabernet Sauvignon offers an impressive diversity of flavors, ranging from blackcurrant to black cherry notes. The resulting wines are typically full-bodied, rich in tannins, and characterized by a pronounced acidity, which enhances their ability to age gracefully. We only select perfectly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to craft the wines of Château Preuillac, ensuring consistent quality and excellent aging potential.
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CABERNET FRANC
Cabernet Franc presents a rich and nuanced aromatic palette, offering flavors ranging from red fruits such as raspberry and cherry to more herbaceous and spicy notes, sometimes characterized by hints of green pepper or violet. Wines derived from this grape variety are generally elegant and balanced, with soft tannins and lively acidity that provide freshness and vivacity on the palate. Paired with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc contributes its structure and finesse to the wines of Château Preuillac.
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PETIT VERDOT
Petit Verdot offers a complex and intriguing aromatic range, with aromas ranging from black fruits like blackberry and blackcurrant to spicy and floral nuances such as black pepper and violet. This grape variety often brings remarkable depth and intensity to wines, adding a robust tannic structure and intense color. For the wines of Château Preuillac, we place particular importance on the selection of Petit Verdot grapes, choosing only the ripest and most suitable fruits for our winemaking style.
