Château Charmail 2021

The 2021 vintage was a challenging year, defined by frost, mildew, and cooler-than-usual temperatures. Château Charmail’s proximity to the estuary helped protect some of its Merlot from frost, but mildew, driven by wet spring conditions, took its toll. The summer remained cool and rainy, delaying grape ripening significantly. However, this year marked the continued commitment to organic farming practices. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot benefited from the late ripening, ultimately becoming the stars of the vintage, making up a higher proportion in the final blend. Despite the difficulties, this vintage showcased resilience and adaptability.

The harvest of 2021 took place from September 27th to October 14th, a late and drawn-out process compared to previous years due to the cooler conditions. The team at Château Charmail carefully monitored the grapes to ensure they were picked at the right moment, with an emphasis on the Cabernets and Petit Verdot, which reached their full potential during the extended ripening period.

The vinification in 2021 required particular care to preserve the freshness and finesse of the grapes. A low-temperature fermentation in thermoregulated tanks was used to avoid over-extraction of tannins, which could have been harsh due to the slower ripening. The result was a wine that highlights vibrant fruit and delicate tannins, with a clear expression of the cooler vintage.

The aging process for 2021 continued the trend of innovation, with 35% of the wine aged in 225L barrels, 50% in 500L Burgundy-style barrels, and 17% in concrete eggs. The larger barrels provided finesse, while the concrete vats added freshness and energy to the wine. This combination of ageing techniques, along with 50% new oak, allowed for a nuanced and harmonious integration of flavors, producing a wine that is both elegant and complex.