Château de Terrefort Lescalle
Château de Terrefort Lescalle benefits from a unique terroir and expertise passed down through generations. Its history, linked to that of Château Lescalle, makes it an authentic wine, marked by the imprint of time and the passion of those who craft it. Its aging in stainless steel tanks preserves the purity of the fruit, offering an accessible, balanced Bordeaux that truly represents its appellation.
History
Château de Terrefort Lescalle is produced by Château Lescalle, a historic wine estate. Built in 1875 by Emmanuel Tessandier, the château and its vineyard are part of a tradition of excellence and passion. Born in 1841, Tessandier was a regent of the Banque de France in Bordeaux and later in Paris before succumbing to the charm of the luminous banks of the Garonne. He planted the entire vineyard on fertile palus lands and had the château built on an artificial hill overlooking the river. A great wine enthusiast and epicurean, he gathered the most influential figures and personalities of his time at Château Lescalle to share the fruit of his labor. After the vineyard was uprooted in 1954, the estate experienced a revival starting in 1983 with a gradual replanting, thus preserving the legacy of an exceptional terroir.
The Vineyard
The vineyard of Château de Terrefort Lescalle spans 7 hectares in the heart of the Médoc, in the commune of Macau, on the edge of the prestigious Margaux appellation. Its terroir consists of clayey palus soils, providing a natural richness that fosters high-quality viticulture. The planting density is 5,000 vines per hectare, ensuring controlled production and optimal vine balance. The vineyard is managed using sustainable viticulture, with meticulous monitoring of grape maturity through both taste analysis and precise analytical controls.
The grape composition, predominantly Merlot (80%) complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), gives the wine a harmonious structure, where the fruitiness and suppleness of Merlot are balanced by the power and finesse of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking & Aging
Each plot is carefully selected to ensure optimal grape quality. After harvesting, which is done mechanically at full maturity, a rigorous sorting is carried out on a sorting table before total destemming. Fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel and cement tanks, allowing precise temperature control (around 28°C) and ensuring a gradual extraction of aromas and tannic structure.
During fermentation, two pump-overs are performed daily to optimize the expression of the fruit and the texture of the wine. Based on tastings, one to three rackings are carried out to refine the wine’s balance. Finally, egg white fining is applied, with preliminary tests to ensure perfect clarification.
The aging process continues for 12 months in stainless steel tanks, thus preserving the purity of the fruit and the authenticity of the terroir.
Wine Character
Château de Terrefort Lescalle embodies the essence of great Bordeaux wines—accessible and generous. Its deep red color with garnet highlights sets the stage for an expressive nose, revealing ripe red fruit aromas complemented by subtle spicy and undergrowth notes. On the palate, the attack is smooth and fruity, evolving into an elegant and well-balanced structure. The fine, well-integrated tannins provide a beautiful length, leading to a harmonious and lingering finish.
This wine pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sauced dishes, or aged cheeses.
