At Charmail, while most of our work takes place in the vineyard, what happens in the cellar is just as intentional. The energy born in the vines should carry through every stage of ageing, right to the bottle, preserving the vitality of the wine.
01
From
Harvest to Vat
After the grapes are harvested by hand and mostly de-stemmed (we usually keep a few stems for testing), they are sorted not by lasers or by hand, but through a density-based system that measures sugar and water content.
It’s a simple and effective method that allows us to select the ripest, most balanced berries while gently excluding those that lack maturity. Especially in challenging years, this approach helps preserve the natural harmony we aim for in Charmail.
02
Fermentation &
Extraction
Extraction is handled with care and precision. Charmail follows a method similar to brewing the perfect cup of tea: slow, gentle, and deliberate. By using low temperatures, we gradually draw out the essence of the fruit without extracting harsh tannins. This method, refined by Sébastien Pineau, ensures the wines are balanced, elegant, and packed with depth. Since 2017, we have embraced spontaneous fermentations, allowing natural vineyard yeasts to guide the process, deepening the wine’s connection to its terroir.
03
Aging with
Intention
Once vinification is complete, the wines rest in 500-liter French oak barrels, chosen for their ability to integrate oak gently and subtly while keeping the fruit at the heart of the wine’s expression. Since 2017, 17 hL concrete eggs have been added, a distinctive feature of Charmail. Initially experimental, these ovoid tanks are now an integral part of our aging process, representing nearly 30% of the production. Their unique shape allows for natural and even micro-oxygenation without adding woody aromas, preserving the purity and freshness of the fruit.
Sébastien Pineau favors a balanced approach, combining new and one-year-old barrels with these concrete eggs to reveal the full complexity of the terroir. The result is wines with deep, creamy fruit, a silky texture, and straight, elegant tannins that promise refined aging.