Chateau de L' Hospital Blanc Graves 2023

Bio note. Still quite difficult in the Bordeaux region. But not only that. It is also quite difficult to find a good white Graves for a decent amount. But 'cuckoo!' football reporter Sierd de Vos would say, here is one. Château de l'Hospital. I would like to be admitted there. And then have a permanent infusion of this 2019 started. Grapefruity down to the finest detail, hints at mace, teems at thyme, flutters at citrus, almost light-footed. Sister, will you come for a moment?

Chris Alblas:

Three hectares are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Blanc. The crop density is 5,500 sticks per hectare. The soil consists of clay/gravel on a limestone bottom.

Vintage 2019 is a blend of 65% sauvignon blanc and 35% sémillon blanc. The grapes were picked by hand in August/September 2018 and transported in small crates to prevent damage to the grapes. The yield per hectare was 45 hl. The fermentation of the must takes place 50% in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and 50% in barriques, 30% of which are renewed annually. The wine matures on the lees for nine months. The 2019 vintage was bottled in September 2020.

This classic white Bordeaux has a soft and fruity taste, with a beautiful slightly filmy aftertaste. It has the typical aromatic complexity of a white Graves. Refined taste.

Organic viticulture according to Chateau de L'Hospital:

Convinced that it is a cultivation method that is more respectful of the natural balance and biodiversity, more concerned with people's health, that it is a sustainable, ethical and modern cultivation method; We have been involved in organic farming since 2013 and have now been producing certified organic wines on all 40 hectares of our Graves vineyard since 2017.

What does organic farming mean?

We use only natural products in the vines and in the cellar, excluding all chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms. Weeding in the vines is therefore exclusively mechanical.

We promote the action of natural enemies against parasites of vines and grapes. We use green manures to maintain soil fertility. We organize natural spaces such as grass strips, hedges, meadows to manage fauna, flora and soil.

We produce wines that respect the characteristics of the terroir and promote the quality and expression of the fruit.

Organic farming is also the only cultivation method certified by a government agency. We are monitored and controlled at least once a year by Ecocert, which issues us every year a certificate confirming that our products comply with regulations and authorizing us to promote our wines in "organic farming".