Croix des Vérillats, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014
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Vineyard Profile
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Les Vérillats is one of the earliest delineated terroirs of Moulin-à-Vent. Located above the windmill, on the top of the appellation, it has an eastern exposure with a panoramic view. The granite soil is exceptionally sandy — atypical for a great terroir of this appellation — 60 cm deep and well-drained. It is layered over a bedrock of pink granite that is rich in iron oxide, copper and manganese. The vineyard lies in the corridor of drying winds that exert a positive effect on the maturation and concentration of the grapes.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management; thanks to the exceptionally clement weather, only five biological treatments of the vines were used this year.
- Size: 65-year old, small, compact vines
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare
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Vintage Report
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2014 was a very good vintage with balanced and complex wines from the château’s top terroirs. Croix des Vérillats is made from carefully-selected plots on the lieu-dit Les Vérillats.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 11-20 (i.e. 10 days), in small 30-liter containers; two sorting tables positioned before the destemmer
- Yields: 27 hectoliters per hectare (Normal yields in the region are 45 - 50 hl/ha, while the maximum authorized is 52 hl/ha.)
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Vinification
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15% full 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; 21 days extraction to bring out the full potential of the terroirs
- Aging: 14 months, 100% in French oak barrel, 30% new wood, medium toast; oak chosen from the Allier and Vosges forests; excellent sourcing of oak from the top coopers Taransaud and François Frères to bring out the wine’s signature aromas and tannins. The origin, grain and toast intensity are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Croix des Vérillats has a deep red color with an intense nose of black fruit, unusual for the appellation. The mouth is full and supple, with a delicious smoothness balanced by the freshness of the fruit and spices.
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Images
Reviews
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Croix des Vérillats, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014 – 19 points – Jancis Robinson
“An intense ruby-red colour that lightens at the rim. On the nose: strawberry jam, earthy hints, citrus peel (tamarind)... In the mouth it displays excellent texture and an inviting savouriness, smooth tannins, with a citrusy finish..."