Château Barreyre
Château Barreyre stands out for its palus terroir, rare in Médoc, which brings remarkable richness and suppleness to the wines. The meticulous aging in French oak barrels imparts complexity and elegance that appeal to both enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
History
Château Barreyre is an estate steeped in history, with its building erected in 1774 by Nicolas Barreyre, a member of a renowned Bordeaux family. The vineyard was planted in 1793 and now spans twenty hectares. Located in Macau in Médoc, it benefits from the beneficial influence of the Garonne and a unique terroir composed of palus soils—clay-rich lands that give the wines a distinctive signature and remarkable balance.
The Vineyard
Located in Macau in Médoc, at the gateway to the great Margaux terroirs, the vineyard spans 20 hectares of clay soil, promoting excellent freshness and a well-balanced tannic richness. With a planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare, it ensures optimal grape concentration. The grape varieties are predominantly Merlot (55%), providing roundness and fruitiness, complemented by 40% Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and 5% Petit Verdot, which enhances the blend with its spicy nuances. The vineyard is managed with a commitment to sustainable viticulture, with careful monitoring of berry ripeness, combining tasting and precise analysis to ensure an optimal harvest.
Winemaking & Aging
The mechanical harvest is followed by a rigorous selection of grapes on a sorting table, ensuring impeccable quality. After total destemming, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and cement tanks, maintaining temperatures around 28°C. Three daily pump-overs promote gentle extraction, while extended maceration enhances the wine’s depth.
Château Barreyre is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 15 to 20% renewed each year to achieve a balance between subtle oak influence and fruit expression.
The second wine, Nicolas Barreyre, is aged for 12 months, combining 30% French oak barrels and 70% tanks, to maintain a delicate balance between fruit and oak.
Without additives or artificial interventions, the vinification of Château Barreyre “Fidèle aux Origines” follows a natural philosophy that enhances the purity of the fruit. After a meticulous selection of plots, the grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then destemmed before fermenting in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 26 and 28°C. Three daily pump-overs gently extract aromas and structure. Aging is deliberately short—just 4 months in stainless steel tanks—to preserve the wine’s freshness and vibrancy.
Wine Character
Château Barreyre is a harmonious wine, boasting beautiful fruit and a well-balanced integration of oak, offering great density. Its color is a deep, intense red, and it presents a pleasant fruity “sweetness.” On the nose, toasted, smoky, and grilled notes blend with aromas of black fruits. On the palate, the attack is direct, the wine is smooth and silky, with a lovely aromatic persistence.
Château Barreyre “Fidèle aux Origines” is a natural wine. Its color is cherry red. The attack is full and fresh, revealing bright acidity and great freshness, with aromas of both fresh and ripe red fruits. The finish is lively and fruit-driven.
Nicolas Barreyre, the second wine of Château Barreyre, has a ruby-red color. On the nose, ripe red fruit aromas are enhanced by a subtle touch of oak from a light barrel aging, while preserving the wine’s freshness and pure fruit expression. On the palate, it is well-balanced and rounded, with a beautiful fruit profile and a pleasant finish.
Le Cru de Noé has an intense red color. On the nose, it reveals fruity notes of cherry and blackcurrant. On the palate, it is balanced and round, finishing with a beautiful, lingering finale.
