Château Lescalle
This wine, rich in a unique history and a distinctive terroir, reflects the authenticity and expertise of Bordeaux winemaking. It captivates with its balance of power and elegance, a hallmark of the great Médoc wines. Its carefully managed barrel aging gives it excellent aging potential, allowing its evolution to be appreciated over the years.
History
Founded in 1875, Château Lescalle owes its existence to Emmanuel Tessandier, a visionary man and regent of the Banque de France in Bordeaux and Paris. Captivated by the gentle landscapes along the Garonne, he decided to plant his vineyard on the fertile Palus lands of Macau in Médoc. The château, built on an artificial hill, offers an exceptional view of the river. Passionate and meticulous, he tended to his estate with great care and took pleasure in sharing his wines with distinguished guests. A man of conviction, he was elected Mayor of Macau in 1876, a position he proudly held until 1878. Although the vineyard was entirely uprooted in 1954, it was gradually revived from 1983 onward, regaining its former splendor.
The Vineyard
Spanning 26 hectares, the vineyard of Château Lescalle is rooted in clay-rich Palus soil, providing ideal conditions for vine growth. Its grape composition reflects a harmonious balance of traditional Bordeaux varietals: 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Cultivated with a commitment to sustainable viticulture, the vineyard undergoes meticulous monitoring, including a rigorous assessment of berry ripeness, both through taste and analytical methods. Harvesting, carried out both by hand and mechanically, ensures the preservation of grape integrity and an optimal yield.
Winemaking & Aging
Each parcel undergoes a rigorous selection process, and the berries are meticulously sorted on a table before vinification. After full destemming, fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks, ensuring precise temperature control, maintained at around 28°C. Three daily pump-overs ensure optimal extraction of aromas and tannins. The maceration period is long, allowing the wine to develop its full complexity.
Aging continues for 12 months, with 30% of the wine maturing in French oak barrels, 20% to 40% of which are new, depending on the vintage. This carefully managed maturation imparts structure, finesse, and depth to the wine.
Wine Character
Château Lescalle embodies all the elegance of a Bordeaux Supérieur. Its deep, brilliant color reveals garnet reflections. The subtle and expressive nose unveils aromas of ripe red fruits and blackcurrant, enhanced by delicate spicy and vanilla notes. On the palate, the attack is generous, marked by a beautiful roundness and a silky tannic structure. The persistent and well-balanced finish reveals a lovely freshness and a delicately integrated touch of oak.
