Château Mélin
Château Mélin embodies a family expertise passed down from generation to generation. Its exceptional terroir, combined with meticulous parcel management and traditional vinification in concrete vats, ensures wines of great finesse. The RéVinTho cuvée, a tribute to the estate’s founders, perfectly illustrates this pursuit of excellence and heritage.
History
Château Mélin is the result of a carefully preserved family heritage since its acquisition by René Debacque in 1948. In the mid-20th century, René shaped this vineyard in Sainte-Terre, a few kilometers east of Saint-Émilion. Through patience and hard work, the estate gradually expanded, reaching 10.5 hectares in the 1980s.
Today, the property remains in the hands of the Debacque family, with Vincent and Thomas, father and son, passionately continuing to craft wines that reflect the excellence of the terroir. The RéVinTho cuvée, produced as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, is a tribute to the three generations who have shaped the identity of Château Mélin: René, Vincent, and Thomas.
The Vineyard
Château Mélin is rooted in a sandy gravel terroir, ideal for crafting elegant and expressive wines. With a planting density of 6,600 vines per hectare, the vineyard is meticulously maintained to ensure optimal grape quality. The grape varieties are predominantly Merlot (80%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (20%), an ideal balance for producing structured and refined wines.
With an average age of 40 years, the vines receive careful attention, including parcel selection and precise sorting on a sorting table. For the RéVinTho cuvée, made exclusively from Merlot, the grapes are hand-harvested to preserve the integrity of the berries and fully express the terroir’s potential.
Winemaking & Aging
At Château Mélin, vinification combines tradition and precision. After a rigorous selection of the berries, fermentation takes place in concrete vats, allowing for a gentle extraction of aromas and tannins. The estate’s classic cuvée is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 30% new oak, adding complexity and finesse.
The RéVinTho cuvée, designed for fine wine enthusiasts, undergoes an extended aging period of 14 months in French oak barrels, further refining its structure and enhancing its aromas.
Wine Character
Château Mélin, AOC Saint-Émilion, reveals a deep garnet color and a nose with aromas of ripe red fruits, violet, and subtle woody notes. The palate is smooth and well-balanced, with a beautiful length supported by silky tannins.
The RéVinTho cuvée, classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, stands out for its aromatic intensity and depth. Made from 100% Merlot, it offers a complex bouquet combining black fruits, sweet spices, and toasted nuances. Its extended barrel aging imparts a full, velvety, and persistent mouthfeel, with excellent aging potential.
