Le Merle Blanc – 2017
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Introduction
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Château Clarke is one of the rare Medoc estates to produce a white wine. Le Merle Blanc is part of the Château’s heritage, because it has existed since the 19th century (1890). Much-appreciated and widely-known, this white wine once accounted for up to a quarter of the Château’s entire production. Baron Edmond de Rothschild felt it was important to revive this tradition. Today, Le Merle Blanc fits in beautifully with the spirit of Château Clarke.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
- Size: 3 ha (7.4 acres)
- Vine Age: 6,600 vines/ha
- Density: 6,600 vines/ha
- Training: Natural grass cover, double Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The capricious weather of 2017 imposed a meticulous selection of bunches. The harvest of white grape varieties was spread over 6 mornings, with the aim of obtaining perfect fruit.
- Harvest Date(s): From September 19 to October 4
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Direct pressing, cold settling, fermentation and maturing on the lees; treatment by gravity, in small batches; wine making process adapted to each batch; automatic thermoregulation
- Aging: 6 months, 20% in new barrels; the rest in stainless steel tanks and vats
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Muscadelle, 10% Sémillion
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Optimum Drinking: Quite short cellaring potential, to be enjoyed without delay while it is still young and fresh
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Tasting Notes
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The pale yellow color of the Le Merle Blanc 2017 is clear and bright. This wine offers a fine and subtle bouquet of white peach, exotic fruit mixed with fine notes of acacia and linden flowers. On the palate the attack is delicate, precise and reveals a full-bodied wine, perfectly balanced by a natural vivacity that brings length as well as a tangy touch that carries the finish far.
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