Technical Details
Estate
Located in Martillac, in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Clos Marsalette is jointly owned by Count Stephan von Neipperg and Didier Miqueu. This vineyard sits magnificently on gravelly soils deposited long ago by the Garonne. Offering a great diversity, the subsoil is composed of marine sediment from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs (5 to 15 million years ago) in the form of shelly sand with a bit of clay, fawn-colored sand, and multi-colored clay. Clos Marsalette's vineyard which covers an area of 12.30 hectares (for the red wine) plus 1.30 hectares (for the white wine) is also looked after expertly in order to produce a wine reflecting the typicity of this Terroir.
History
Members of the Franconian aristocracy with a long political and agricultural tradition, the Counts von Neipperg family line can be traced back to the 12th century. Representing some eight centuries of winegrowing and winemaking experience, today Count Stephan von Neipperg manages the 9 family-owned estates, 4 of which are in Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux: Château Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, Château Peyreau.
Tasting notes
Vinous: Outer quote mark The 2015 Clos Marsalette is rich, powerful and authoritative, just as it was from barrel. Black cherry, smoke, rose petal, menthol, licorice and savory herbs fill out the wine's ample frame effortlessly, but there is good energy to back things up. Time in the glass brings out the 2015's aromatic dimension. Clos Marsalette is arguably the most extroverted, flamboyant wine in Pessac-Léognan.
Vineyard
Terroir: Gravel.
Vineyard area currently in production: 12.30 hectares (red), 1.30 hectares (white).
Grape varieties (red): 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc.
Grape varieties (white): 65% Sauvignon, 35% Semillon.
Average age of the vines: 20 years.
Vinification
Harvesting: By hand, into small crates to avoid bruising.
Sorting before and after destemming.
No crushing. The grapes arrive on a conveyor belt.
Fermentation (red): In temperature-controlled wooden and concrete vats.
Fermentation (white): In temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.
Ageing- (red): In new oak barrels (50%) on fine lees, for 15 to 18 months.
Ageing- (white): In oak barrels (30% new) and stainless steel vats on fine lees, for 6 to 9 months.