Chateau de L' Hospital Graves Rouge 2020
Chateau de L'Hospital Graves Rouge
Fine and complex nose with notes of ripe fruit. In the mouth we find ripe fruit, lots of concentrate and minerals. Refined tannins provide structure and fullness. Nice length in the mouth.
This wood-bearing Graves has a bright, deep ruby red color. The scent is pure and complex. On the one hand the scent of red fruit and on the other hand more of herbs. However, there is also subtle wood, a hint of green pepper, plum and tobacco. The aromas are broad, even when it comes to herbs, such as laurel and licorice. The attack in the mouth is soft, herbs, blackcurrant, vanilla and velvety tannins. This red Graves has a good concentration, both the wood and the alcohol percentage (14.5%) are well integrated. It is a balanced, refined wine that will continue to gain in richness in the coming years. Very suitable with grilled vegetables, (stewed) meat and (stewed) game dishes.
The grapes were picked between September 21 and October 11. Upon arrival, the bunches were checked on a sorting table to remove insufficiently ripe grapes and any leaves. The grapes were then destemmed and lightly crushed before fermenting in temperature-controlled tanks for about two weeks. The wine then matures for at least 12 months in wooden casks, 30% of which are renewed every year. The 2008 vintage was bottled in July 2020.
Wine House
Château de l'Hospital is located in the town of Portets, 24 kilometers south of the city of Bordeaux, in the Graves Appellation. It is a historic and monumental neo-classical Château. It was built in 1780 for Jacques de l'Hospital, an advisor to the king.
The architectural style of the Château is a perfect example of the neo-classical style and shows the harmony and refinement of the XVIII century. In 1973 it was given the designation of a historic monument. It was owned by the Lacaussade family for several generations. Since 2012 it has been owned by Florent and Brigitte Battistella. This couple bought the castle and the 40 hectares of vineyards with the aim of turning it into a beautiful domain again. The renovation of the castle was completed at the end of 2017. A year later the castle and park were opened to the public. The couple is proud of the result and that also applies to the fact that the wines have been certified organic since 2017.
The vineyards are within the appellation boundaries of the Graves. Here we work in a traditional way, resulting in white and red top wines.
Ten hectares are planted with merlot (60%), cabernet sauvignon (30%), petit verdot (5%) and malbec (5%). The planting density is 5,500 canes per hectare. The soil consists of clay/gravel on a limestone bottom.
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".
