Château La Tour Carnet 2020

The typicality of a Bordeaux White, unveiled by Bernard Magrez

The estate

With origins dating back to the 17th century, Château La Tour Carnet is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. The estate takes its name from its tower, built in 1120 and surrounded by moats. In 1407, vines were planted on the estate. Owned by Bernard Magrez, this Cru Classé from 1855 belongs to the elite of the great wines of Haut-Médoc.

The vineyard

Located in the communes of Saint-Christoly-Médoc, the vineyard used to produce the 2020 Château La Tour Carnet white covers just 1.25 hectares of vines in the Bordeaux Blanc appellation. Planted at a high density (7,000 feet per hectare), the vines, aged by 18 years on average, are planted on clay-limestone soils. The Château La Tour Carnet vineyard is certified High Environmental Value Level 3.

Winemaking and ageing

Manually harvested in small crates, the grapes are first sorted at the vineyard. Pressing of the entire harvest with a pneumatic press for around 2 hours, then cold settling for 24 hours. The grapes subsequently ferment at between 15 and 18 degrees for around 15 days. The wine is then aged on fine lees for 8 to 10 months, with the lees being stirred once or twice a week. The wine is not pumped or filtered until it is bottled in March 2021. All of the winemaking and ageing work is gravity-fed.

Blend

The 2020 Château La Tour Carnet is made of a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Sémillon (15%).