Many
producers in the region of St. Emilion also produce wine from
property in the appellation of Côte de Castillon. With
the same kind of care and attention usually given to the production
of wine from St. Emilion, wine from the appellation of Côte
de Castillon can rise well above the average quality of its
neighbors. Such is the case with the producer of Château
La Brande. Produced by the folks at Château Mangot (St.
Emilion Grand Cru) from the vineyard that surround their home,
this wine comes from their 25-hectare vineyard of clay and limestone
and planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Château La Brande is vinified in cuves of stainless steel
and concrete (lined with epoxy) for 18-21 months. Typically,
the wine is made from Merlot (85%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)
and Cabernet Franc (10%) finishing out the blend. Partial barrique
ageing is used to enhance the flavors but only to the level
that the fruit will allow to permit the proper balance between
the fruit and wood.
This deeply colored wine is soft and warm with a rich and generous
nose. Supple with touches of red fruit the wine is well structured
and well balanced and a wonderful example of straightforward
Merlot grown on a terroir that suits it well.
Many
producers in the region of St. Emilion also produce wine from
property in the appellation of Côte de Castillon. With
the same kind of care and attention usually given to the production
of wine from St. Emilion, wine from the appellation of Côte
de Castillon can rise well above the average quality of its
neighbors. Such is the case with the producer of Château
La Brande. Produced by the folks at Château Mangot (St.
Emilion Grand Cru) from the vineyard that surround their home,
this wine comes from their 25-hectare vineyard of clay and limestone
and planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
