Grand Cru Bougros "Côte Bouguerots"
The vintage
After a relatively mild and very dry winter, the vine began to bud in the last week of March. Fortunately, at the end of March, just before the first frosts, the vintage showed a few days' delay compared to the average of the past 20 years. Despite the frost and cold, we observe a good emergence of clusters. Flowering took place at the end of May under excellent conditions, with little shatter or millerandage. The vine caught up and now shows a 10-day advance. August 31 marks the beginning of the harvest with all the teams. The sanitary condition is perfect, the skins are thick, and the grapes are pulpy with a good juice yield.
Location
Appellation of 12.62 hectares at the western tip of the Côte des Grands Crus. With a very steep slope of more than 30%, this Bougros terroir benefits from a south-facing exposure at the foot of the hillside, maximizing solar radiation. The appellation produces complex and vigorous wines.
Terroir
A mix of clay and stones, over a shallow soil. This terroir structure naturally limits the vigor of the vines and, consequently, the yields of the plots. The plots cover 6.23 hectares, representing 49% of the total appellation, including 2.11 hectares in "Côte Bouguerots" with a due south exposure at the foot of the slope.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 19 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Grapes
Tasting
Complex and mineral bouquet, with a powerful and dense structure, accompanied by a pleasant roundness.