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2017 SAINT-EMILION PORTES OUVERTES: THE YOUTH OF CHÂTEAU LA GRANDE CLOTTE
From 29th April to 1st May 2017
CHÂTEAU LA GRANDE CLOTTE IS ONE OF THE 84 CHÂTEAUX THAT WELCOME YOU FROM 29TH APRIL TO 1ST MAY.
Julie Rapet and Mathieu Mercier took over Château La Grande Clotte in October 2016. A real “favorite” for this oenologist engineer couple. On 29th, 30th April and 1stMay, they will let you taste their 2015 and 2016 vintages. A great opportunity to discover the work of young passionate winemakers. In a simple manner.
2015 AND 2016 VINTAGES IN LUSSAC SAINT-EMILION
Want to encourage young winemakers in their work? Meet Julie Rapet and her partner Mathieu Mercier. These 29-year-old winemakers acquired Château La Grande Clotte 6 months ago after a long search. After their studies in Bordeaux, they had left for Canada. They came back to exploit this 7 ha estate, in the Lussac-Saint-Emilion appellation.
“As soon as we saw it, we immediately projected ourselves into the future. The house is surrounded by vineyards, it is beautiful. They are worthy of a great vintage, it was a real favorite vineyard for us.”
The Château La Grande Clotte wines are an assembly of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). For the 2017 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes, the couple will present two vintages to you, 2015 and 2016. The 2015 vintage is the first they have assembled on the estate. In other words, it is close to their hearts.
“It is a fruity wine, with a good finish in the mouth and an impressive sweetness when first sipped. They are keeping wines but that can be appreciated right now, after decanting 30 minutes or 1 hour in advance.“
With the 2016 vintage, pleasure is also on the agenda. The young winemakers began to work their vines in January 2016. The last vintage is thus the first that they have fully followed. Julie Rapet says she is happy to have started in such a beautiful year. During the 2017 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes, you can discover the “primeur” of this promising vintage!
“2016 is an explosion of flavors. We were impressed during the winemaking process. We placed ourselves on top of the vats and we really found the smell of my grandmother’s blackberry jam. This 2016 vintage is very intense.”
A NEW FAMILY HISTORY AT CHÂTEAU LA GRANDE CLOTTE
In the Saint-Emilion appellations, young winemakers often buy family estates. In the case of Julie Rapet and Mathieu Mercier, this is a takeover outside of the family. So, it’s a new adventure that begins for them.
To meet the challenge, their family and friends are here for them on a daily basis. You can meet them all during the 2017 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes.
“The family will be at our side for the tastings and to present the estate. This is the first time we are participating. Everyone is very happy to discover the wines.”
At Château La Grande Clotte, everything is done by hand. Julie Rapet and Mathieu Mercier work together. As the young woman nicely says: “La Grande Clotte is a garden for us. It’s our little secret garden.”
A secret that may not last long. On 29th, 30th April and 1st May, the young winemakers will be waiting for you. In addition to the tastings, they will unveil an exhibition of photographs that traces the vintage year in their estate. The photos are by Nathalie Moinet.
To prolong this convivial moment, you will also be able to taste specialties made from fish caught in the Garonne. The fisherman will be there in person at Château La Grande Clotte. He will offer you lamprey, rillettes of catfish or eel. These products blend happily with the fruity wines of the estate.
Information:
2017 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes
29th, 30th April and 1st May
Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm without interruption.
Address: Château La Grande Clotte, 33570 Lussac
Information: 06 49 77 23 97
During the 2017 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes, 84 châteaux open their doors to you, find the complete program here.