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Château Croix Mouton
There are 3 products.
Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 12.95€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
11.87€ / bottleTASTING NOTES
J. Suckling
91-92
Specifications
Benefit of the 12th bottle offered by choosing the format : Case of 12 bottles.
Degressive price applied automatically.
Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 14.50€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
13.29€ / bottleTASTING NOTES
Wine Advocate
88
J. Robinson
15,5
J. Suckling
90
Specifications
Château Croix-Mouton: Tasting, Terroir, and History of Bordeaux Supérieur
Château Croix-Mouton is a renowned wine estate located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, at the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. This estate stands out for its production of fine and flavorful wines classified under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. The wines produced by this château reflect the unique character of their terroir and the expertise of the Janoueix family, owners since 1997.
Situated near Fronsac, on the Île de Carney, the vineyard of Croix-Mouton benefits from an ideal exposure, combining alluvial and clay soils. This terroir allows for the production of exceptional wines, primarily from the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties—typical Bordeaux grapes that contribute to the complexity and richness of the château's wines.
History and Owners: The Janoueix Family
Château Croix-Mouton joined in 1997 the prestigious portfolio of the Janoueix family, one of the emblematic families of Bordeaux viticulture. The Janoueix family, famous for its long winemaking tradition, also owns renowned estates such as Château Haut-Sarpe in Saint-Émilion and La Croix Saint-Georges in Pomerol.
The management of Château Croix-Mouton by the Janoueix family is marked by a quest for excellence and constant modernization of the winemaking process, while preserving the traditions that have made Bordeaux wines famous. This balanced approach between innovation and respect for the terroir has allowed the château to gain notoriety, not only in France but also internationally.
The Terroir of Château Croix-Mouton
An Ideal Geographical Location
The vineyard of Château Croix-Mouton extends over 19 hectares located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, an area that benefits from an ideal temperate climate for vine cultivation. The soils of this region are mainly clayey and alluvial, which gives the wines a unique minerality and structure.
The unique characteristics of the Île de Carney terroir allow the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties to thrive fully. Merlot, which makes up the majority of the vines, brings red fruit aromas and a velvety texture to the wines, while Cabernet Franc offers spicy nuances and a tannic structure that perfectly balances the estate's wines.
Soils Conducive to Quality Wines
The predominant clay soil in the vineyard plays a fundamental role in water retention, allowing the vines to withstand periods of drought well while ensuring regular ripening of the grapes. The alluvial soils, on the other hand, provide lightness and drainage, thus promoting the concentration of aromas and excellent grape quality.
The Wines of Château Croix-Mouton
The wines of Château Croix-Mouton are renowned for their deliciousness, finesse, and balance. Produced under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation, these wines meet strict criteria that distinguish them from other Bordeaux wines. The appellation requires a minimum aging of 12 months in barrels, lower yields, and an alcohol content above 10%, guaranteeing superior quality wines.
Château Croix-Mouton 2014: An Exceptional Vintage
The Château Croix-Mouton 2014 is an emblematic red wine of the estate. This vintage stands out for its freshness and balance. On tasting, one finds notes of ripe red fruits, supple tannins, and a silky finish. Barrel aging brings a subtle woody touch without overpowering the fruity aromas. This wine is harmonious, accessible while offering nice complexity.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate its elegant structure, with aromas of cherry, plum, and spicy touches brought by the Cabernet Franc. This vintage is ideal to accompany red meat dishes, game, or even aged cheeses.
The Grape Varieties: Merlot and Cabernet Franc
The main grape varieties cultivated at Château Croix-Mouton are Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Merlot, which makes up the majority of the planting, brings fruity flavors of raspberry, cherry, and sometimes plum. It gives the wine roundness and suppleness, with silky tannins that make it immediately enjoyable.
The Cabernet Franc, used in smaller proportion, contributes to the structure and longevity of the wines while adding spicy and herbal notes. This grape variety, known for its robustness, perfectly complements Merlot, thus offering balanced and complex wines.
Winemaking and Aging Process
The winemaking process at Château Croix-Mouton is rigorously controlled to guarantee the best expression of the terroir. Harvesting is done by hand to select the best grapes. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and fermented at controlled temperatures to preserve the fruity aromas and freshness of the grape varieties.
Aging in Oak Barrels
One of the particularities of the wines from Château Croix-Mouton is their aging in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months, in accordance with the requirements of the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. This process allows for the refinement of tannins and the development of subtle aromas of vanilla, caramel, and smoke, which harmoniously integrate with the fruity notes of the wine.
Barrel aging is carefully monitored to avoid an excessive dominance of woody aromas, thus ensuring balanced wines where the freshness of the fruit remains predominant.
Bordeaux Supérieur Appellation: A Label of Quality
The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation is a guarantee of quality, attributed to wines meeting stricter production criteria than the simple Bordeaux appellation. These wines come from older vines, producing fewer grapes but of better quality, with increased concentration of sugar and aromas.
To be classified as Bordeaux Supérieur, the wine must have an alcohol content above 10% and be aged in barrels for at least 12 months. This results in more structured wines with a longer aging potential.
Tasting and Food Pairings
Thanks to their finesse and balance, the wines of Château Croix-Mouton lend themselves to a wide variety of culinary pairings.
- Red Meats: The supple tannins of Château Croix-Mouton pair perfectly with grilled meats such as beef steak or duck breast.
- Game: The wine's aromatic complexity makes it an ideal companion for more robust dishes like game or dishes with sauce.
- Aged Cheeses: The fruity and spicy flavors go very well with aged cheeses, especially soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
For more original pairings, Château Croix-Mouton can be served with spicy dishes like a tagine with dried fruits or a mushroom-based dish that will echo the wine's woody notes.
Château Croix-Mouton and Sustainability
Like many Bordeaux estates, Château Croix-Mouton is committed to an environmental respect approach. The Janoueix family implements sustainable agricultural practices aimed at preserving biodiversity and limiting the use of chemicals. This concern for sustainability not only protects the terroir but also produces authentic wines in perfect harmony with nature.
Conclusion
Château Croix-Mouton is an essential estate of the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. Thanks to its unique terroir, emblematic grape varieties, and the expertise of the Janoueix family, it produces delicious and elegant wines, perfect to accompany a wide variety of dishes. Whether for a tasting with friends or a gourmet meal, the wines of Château Croix-Mouton offer an unforgettable sensory experience.
FAQ - Château Croix-Mouton
Where is Château Croix-Mouton located? Château Croix-Mouton is located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, west of Fronsac, on the Île de Carney in the Bordeaux region.
What grape varieties are used at Château Croix-Mouton? The main grape varieties used are Merlot and Cabernet Franc, typical of the Bordeaux region.
What is the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation? The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation is distinguished by wines produced according to stricter criteria, notably aging in barrels for at least 12 months and lower yields.
What is the taste profile of Château Croix-Mouton wines? The wines are fresh, balanced, with red fruit aromas, supple tannins, and a harmonious finish.
How do Château Croix-Mouton wines pair with food? They pair perfectly with red meats, game, aged cheeses, and even spicy dishes.
Who owns Château Croix-Mouton? Since 1997, Château Croix-Mouton has been owned by the Janoueix family, a renowned family in the Bordeaux wine world.