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Château Valandraud
Château Valandraud – An Exceptional Premier Grand Cru Classé
Product Name: Château Valandraud 2016
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Classification: 1er Grand Cru Classé
Type of Wine: Red
Blend: 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 1% Carmenère
Available Vintage: 2016 (en Primeur)
The Château Valandraud embodies passion and innovation in the world of Bordeaux Grand Crus. Founded in 1989 by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, this vineyard, nestled in the Saint-Émilion valley between Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte, has become a key reference in the Saint-Émilion appellation.
The name Valandraud is a tribute to the region and family, combining "Val" for the Fongaban valley, and Murielle Andraud's surname. With a total surface area of 8.88 hectares, the vineyard is spread across several plots where each grape variety is meticulously cultivated to produce exceptional wines.
Grape Varieties and Winemaking
Château Valandraud benefits from a unique blend:
- 65% Merlot: Brings roundness and smoothness.
- 25% Cabernet Franc: Offers refined tannic structure and freshness.
- 5% Cabernet Sauvignon: Adds power and aging potential.
- 5% Malbec: Contributes fruity and spicy aromas.
- 1% Carmenère: Provides a touch of originality with subtle herbaceous notes.
The vines are cultivated with extreme care, combining respect for tradition with innovation. Winemaking takes place in a modern winery with tanks designed for gentle tannin extraction, ensuring the wine’s optimal quality.
The 2016 Vintage – An Exceptional Wine
The 2016 vintage of Château Valandraud is a wine of great stature, often described as one of the greatest in the estate’s history. Born of ideal climatic conditions, it offers a perfect balance between power and finesse, making it an exceptional wine for Grand Cru enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Intense, deep red.
- Nose: Very expressive with aromas of black fruits (blackberry, cassis), sweet spices, and a subtle touch of vanilla from oak aging.
- Palate: Powerful and generous, with well-structured tannins, refreshing acidity, and a long, persistent finish. This wine has great aging potential, capable of evolving over several decades.
Awards and Accolades
In 2012, Château Valandraud was promoted to 1er Grand Cru Classé in the prestigious Saint-Émilion wine classification. This distinction crowns the hard work and unique vision of Jean-Luc Thunevin, often called the "pope of garage wines".
The Château Valandraud 2016 has been praised by numerous critics and renowned tasters. It is among the favorites of top experts, who consider it a wine "destined for a great career". Its richness and intensity make it an exceptional choice for collectors and connoisseurs.
The Second Wine – Virginie de Valandraud 2016
The estate’s second wine, Virginie de Valandraud 2016, also bears a strong signature of the terroir. It stands out with its bold character and perfect balance between freshness and power. This wine fully expresses the excellence of the Saint-Émilion appellation, while offering a more accessible option for Grand Cru lovers.
Food and Wine Pairings
Château Valandraud 2016 pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled or sauced red meats (beef, lamb).
- Game (venison, pheasant).
- Aged cheeses (Comté, Beaufort).
- Rich and spicy gourmet dishes.
It is recommended to decant the wine before tasting to fully release its complex aromas.
Conclusion
Château Valandraud 2016 is a must-have for all Grand Cru enthusiasts. As a 1er Grand Cru Classé, it symbolizes the excellence of the Saint-Émilion terroir and the passion of its creators. With meticulous grape varieties and innovative winemaking techniques, this wine offers a unique tasting experience that is rich, complex, and harmonious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What sets Château Valandraud apart from other Saint-Émilion Grand Crus? Château Valandraud stands out due to its unique history, varied grape blend, and its status as a "garage wine", an innovation that revolutionized winemaking in the region.
2. What is the aging potential of the 2016 vintage? The 2016 vintage of Château Valandraud has exceptional aging potential. It can be stored for 15 to 30 years or more under optimal conditions.
3. How should Château Valandraud be served? It is recommended to serve Château Valandraud at a temperature of 16-18°C and to decant it 1 to 2 hours before tasting to release its complex aromas.
4. What is the difference between Château Valandraud and Virginie de Valandraud? Château Valandraud is the estate's first wine, classified as 1er Grand Cru, while Virginie de Valandraud is the second wine, offering a more accessible approach while remaining a high-quality wine.
5. What is the blend of Château Valandraud? The blend consists mainly of Merlot (65%), followed by Cabernet Franc (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Malbec (5%), and Carmenère (1%).
6. Where is the Château Valandraud vineyard located? The vineyard is located in Saint-Émilion, at the Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse site, on an exceptional terroir between Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte estates.