Château Chauvin 2019

The elegance and freshness of a complex and generous Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

The estate
It was in 2014 that Sylvie Cazes and her children acquired Château Chauvin. Continuing the work carried of the Ondet family, the Cazes family put all their energy and viticultural experience into this Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé. Since the 2014 vintage, the wines of Château Chavin have been graced with a new label, inspired by the one first published in 1929, the design of which charmed Sylvie Cazes. Cupid, the god of love, is thus pictured, along with the iconic lion of Saint-Emilion. This label pays homage to the symbolism of Château Chauvin, meaning "to be in love with one's land".

The vineyard
The Château Chauvin vineyard is located to the north-west of the town of Saint-Émilion. The property enjoys an exceptional location between Château Cheval Blanc and the Butte de Roi. The vineyard covers an area of 15 hectares of vines aged 30 years on average, planted in sandy clay soils with a significant proportion of iron ore on clay subsoils. The Château Chauvin vineyard has earned the HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value).

The vintage
A superb vintage for the property, 2019 at Château Chauvin perfectly exemplified the renaissance of the estate, while highlighting the unique character the its terroir. After a mild winter, the cool, damp spring led to a slowdown of the phenological cycle. It was at the end of June that summer finally arrived with high temperatures. Thanks to the clay soil of Château Chavin, the vines were not subjected to water stress. In September, thermal amplitudes between night and day allowed for perfect ripeness in the fruit, as well as beautiful sugar concentration, a great phenolic richness and good tannic potential.

The winemaking
Pre-fermentation cold maceration for 2 to 5 days at around 8 ° C. Alcoholic fermentation in thermoregulated stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Fermentation for 20 to 30 days. Soft and slow extraction.

The ageing
15 to 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new French oak).

The blend
Merlot (70%), cabernet franc (25%), cabernet sauvignon (5%).

The tasting
Tasted en primeur, the Château Chauvin 2019 charms with its fresh fruit and great elegance. The significant proportion of Cabernet Franc brings complexity to the blend. Merlot expresses itself through its generosity. Combining finesse, richness and remarkable balance, this beautiful 2019 vintage is guaranteed to seduce lovers of great Saint-Emilion red wines.