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BORDEAUX
– TRAVEL –
Sébastien Montagne improvises a tasting at Domaine Lauranceau
All work in the winery is carried out traditionally. Here, “there is no
thermovinification”, but rather cold maceration followed by vatting
then maturation in underground tanks along with barrels sourced from
a Grand Cru Classé. “We use great quality wood”, which undeniably
lends the wines the remarkable balance that sets them apart. That’s
not the only reason, however, as Montagne conscientiously adapts
his winemaking methods to suit each individual vintage. So from one
year to the next, barrel maturation can “be up to 18 months” with the
wines subsequently blended with “varying amounts of wine from the
underground tanks”. In terms of sulphites, “I prefer to keep the carbon
dioxide to avoid using sulphites as much as possible”. By tweaking his
wines in this way, Montagne crafts some lovely offerings bound for the
French, Chinese and American markets.
Some properties help Bordeaux wines to flourish in their own subtle
but sure way. Some of them have allowed us in so that we can hear
their story, told with passion and humility. These treasured wineries
offer more than just wine. Their winegrowers willingly share their love
of the land and endeavour to preserve its environmental integrity. These
vineyard sites, the repositories of several centuries of winegrowing,
have something exceptional and unique which their growers strive to
safeguard and show off. Men and women create infinite combinations
of time-honoured wisdom and entrepreneurship, constantly innovating
to offer the finest renditions of their vineyards. They also provide an
excellent opportunity to discover Bordeaux in a different light.
WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 51