Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent — 2019
-
Introduction
-
Champ de Cour is located on a slight slope between the hills of the windmill and of Fleurie, with an eastern exposure, sheltered from the winds. The granite surface rocks force the roots to dig down deeply to seek their nutrients. Its clay-rich soil contains five minerals, giving the wine its unique character.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
-
‘Champ de Cour’ stands at the bottom of the hill below the windmill. The top soil is deep and heavier than in the rest of the appellation, it retains more water which scarcely stops the ripening process.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management.
- Size: 3.3 hectares (8.1 acres)
- Vine Age: 35-year old vines
- Soil: Deep granitic soils, rich with clay
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare (4,047 vines/acre)
-
-
Vintage Report
-
A very sunny, very positive vintage. Frost in early April as well as summer heatwaves led to low yields. Harvest took place later than usually. Overall, balanced and aromatic fine wines were produced.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 11 – September 18, in small 30-liter containers; two sorting tables positioned before the destemmer.
- Yields: 35 hectoliters per hectare (less than 2 tons per acre)
-
-
Vinification
-
75% whole cluster; pumping-over during cold pre-fermentation soak and at the end of fermentation to increase roundness and finesse. Punching the cap at the beginning of fermentation
- Aging: 13 months; 20% French oak barrels, 80% stainless steel, then six months in stainless steel tank before bottling, oak chosen from the Allier and Vosges forests.
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Optimum Drinking: 9+ years, with gradual development over the years. Younger wines should be poured into a carafe one hour before serving.
-
Tasting Notes
-
The deep red color of the wine offers the first hint of its massive concentration. The nose is an explosion of red fruit, with roasted and spicy (pepper and saffron) notes. A full-bodied wine of considerable elegance, lively tannins and superb length, with a mineral finish.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent — 2019 – Wine & Spirits – 91 Points
“From a parcel at the base of the hill, this is a tannic Moulin-à-Vent with a cool, tarry finish. Blunt when first poured, a day later the wine shows some elegance and grace.”
-
Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
“There's beautiful fruit purity to the ripe cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry flavors, matched by salty, savory energy from pronounced white pepper, red tea and charred iron. Fine-grained tannins provide a gentle frame for this graceful and immensely drinkable red.”