By Bertille Goudet

Discover Our New Egg-Shaped Concrete Vats

After a month of meticulous monitoring and endless days, the vinification process is complete. The vats are emptied, and the wine will now rest! This is just the beginning of a crucial stage in the winemaking process, where aging takes on significant importance. Traditionally, this long process has always taken place in wooden barrels. However, we are delighted to announce a significant evolution in our winemaking approach: the introduction of our new egg-shaped concrete vats. 

A New Era in Winemaking:
The 2022 vintage marks the dawn of a new era at Château Charmail, where tradition meets innovation. While half of our harvest will continue to age in classic oak barrels, the other half will embark on a journey in our newly acquired concrete vats. These egg-shaped vats are not just a visually striking addition to our cellar; they represent a leap forward in the art of winemaking.

The unique shape of these vats offers several advantages that enhance the ageing process. Unlike conventional barrels, the egg shape facilitates a continuous movement of the wine. This gentle and natural circulation helps achieve a more homogeneous ageing process, contributing to a smoother and more dynamic evolution of the wine's characteristics. The porous nature of concrete also allows for a micro-oxygenation effect, similar to that of oak, but without adding additional flavours. This results in a pure expression of the wine’s inherent qualities.

Completing the Tradition:
Our commitment to tradition remains unwavering. Aging in oak barrels continues to provide the rich and complex flavors for which our wines are known. However, the introduction of concrete vats adds a new dimension to our winemaking. This innovative approach complements traditional methods, allowing us to create wines that are both timeless and contemporary.

We believe that these new vats will enhance the depth and character of our wines, offering a fresh perspective while respecting the essence of what makes Château Charmail exceptional. As we move forward, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for updates on how these innovations are shaping the future of our wines.

Thank you for being part of our story. We are excited to share these developments with you and look forward to presenting the remarkable results in our upcoming vintages.