Château Dasvin Bel-Air
One of the major assets of Château Dasvin Bel-Air lies in its unique terroir, combining Garonne gravel soils and yellow arenas, offering a rare typicity in the Haut-Médoc. Its commitment to sustainable viticulture, marked by its HVE 3 certification, demonstrates a dedication to preserving the ecosystem while producing wines of great precision. This Cru Bourgeois brilliantly exemplifies Médoc excellence by blending tradition and modernity in its winemaking process.
History
Located partly in the commune of Parempuyre and on the highest plateau of Blanquefort, Château Dasvin Bel-Air has benefited from an exceptional terroir for several generations. Its vines, bordered by Landes pines and neighboring a gravel pit, thrive in a preserved natural environment. Vinification is carried out by the team at Château Maucamps, ensuring expertise passed down through time. This cru, bearing the imprint of the Tessandier family, embodies the Médoc’s winemaking tradition and perpetuates a recognized heritage.
The Vineyard
Covering an area of 16 hectares, the vineyard of Château Dasvin Bel-Air is set on a diverse soil composition, consisting of large, lean gravel overlaid with a thin layer of sand and a bed of yellow arena on one side, and a Garonne gravel mound over a clay subsoil on the other. With a planting density of 6,500 vines per hectare, the estate’s grape composition strikes a delicate balance: 43.5% Merlot, 27.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Malbec. The vineyard follows a sustainable approach, incorporating weather monitoring and disease modeling. Certified HVE 2 in 2019 and HVE 3 in 2021, it is committed to an environmentally respectful approach.
Winemaking & Aging
Each parcel undergoes a rigorous selection process, followed by meticulous sorting on a table before total destemming. Fermentation takes place in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, with a controlled temperature of around 28°C, ensuring optimal extraction of aromas and tannins. Three daily pump-overs ensure homogeneous maceration, and the vatting period is intentionally long to enhance the wine’s structure. Before bottling, the wine undergoes egg white fining, a natural process that guarantees optimal clarification.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels for 70% of the wine over 16 months, while the remaining 30% is kept in vats. Each vintage sees between 15% and 25% of the barrels renewed with new oak, adding further complexity to the wines.
Wine Character
Château Dasvin Bel-Air is a structured and elegant wine, offering a perfect balance between power and finesse. Merlot brings a beautiful roundness, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc enhance depth and aromatic complexity. Malbec, as a complement, adds a spicy touch and extra color intensity. On the palate, it reveals remarkable concentration with notes of black fruits, licorice, and toasted nuances from barrel aging. Its persistent and silky finish makes it a great wine for aging.
