Origin
Chateau Laville has 14 hectares of vineyard, on gravel soils underpinned with limestone. Situated in the Graves district of Bordeaux, Sauternes is one of the most iconic regions in the sweet wine world. A particular feature of this region is the prominence of "noble rot," the growth of the Botrytis fungus encouraged by misty mornings and warm, sunny afternoons that occur in the autumn. Botrytis extracts water from the fruit - leaving sugars and other solids - giving potential to the production of concentrated, high quality sweet wines.
Grape Variety
85% Sémillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Muscadelle.
Grapes are selectively hand harvested once botrytis appears, which causes the fruit to naturally shrivel and concentrates the juices. Harvested grapes are pneumatically and hydraulically pressed. Fermentation at controlled temperatures occurs in stainless steel tanks, before the wine is aged for 30 months in new, 400 litre French oak casks.
Alcohol Percentage
13.5%
Cellar Potential
The outstanding 2009 vintage will continue to drink well to 2017.
Producer
Château Laville is a family domaine, established by the current owner Jean-Christophe Barbe's grandfather. Jean-Christophe is a winemaking wizard and expert in the field of "noble rotted" wines. Indeed, alongside producing excellent Sauternes he continues to lecture and research at Bordeaux's faculty of Oenology.
Food Match
This will work a treat with blue cheese, especially Stilton and Roquefort. Also works well with tatin dishes, also any cream based puddings and custards - not least crème brûllée itself!
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
In the press
Regional Trophy - Sweet Bordeaux over £15- Decanter World Wine Awards 2013
Regional Trophy- Decanter World Wine Awards 2015 (2011 Vintage)
Silver- Decanter World Wine Awards 2014 (2010 Vintage)
