Wines By Region / Bordeaux / Pomerol / Château Sainte-Marie
Château Sainte-Marie - Pomerol
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Targon, Entre-deux-Mers
This family-owned estate located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, dates back several centuries. It was previously run by the monks of the La Sauve Majeure Abbey (one of the oldest in France), but suffered extensive damage in a fire in the 18th century. By 1874 it seems to have recovered, as it appears in the Feret Bordeaux wine bible as producing 8 tons of red and white wine. The estate was bought by the Dupuch-Mondon family in 1956, and today the last living remains from this long and storied history are the 400+-year old redwood trees on the property. Giles Dupuch, understanding the potential of the Entre-deux-Mers region, took over the estate in 1982 and when he retired in 1997 his equally passionate and knowledgeable son Stephane took the reins. It is a true family affair, with family members working in every aspect of the business. The unique quality of the domaine's wines results from the wide diversity of soils on which the vines are cultivated. In fact, in seeking out this diversity, the family were inspired to purchase a few plots outside the boundaries of their estate, all with complementary soil types:
The Alios plot located 8 kms from Sainte-Marie totals 14 hectares of clay-gravel soils. The Vieilles Vignes plot partially surrounds Sainte-Marie near the town of Targon and consists of 25 hectares of mainly clay-limestone. The Pierre Creusée plot located near Capian consists of limestone that is heavily asteriated on the surface. The Moulin plot commands a superb view over the Entre-Deux-Mers area and is made up of clay-gravel soils. Many of these vines are on the older side, including a plot of more than 100-year old Semillon and Merlot vines. These vines are densely planted and meticulously tended, and yields are carefully controlled. Sustainable farming techniques are employed.
A sorting table insures that only the best grapes are selected, and then go into temperature-controlled tanks to ferment. The wines are then aged either in tank or in barrel, depending on the cuvée. The result is a lineup of superb values, very expressive of their region's terroir. |
Château Sainte-Marie Pomerol
A blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc, this wine is aged in foudre. Dark fruits (blackberry and cassis) with an underlying iron-rich soil note glide along this wines suave texture. The ripeness of the vintage insures that the tannins are velvety and well-integrated. Lamb shanks or grilled tri-tip pair wonderfully with the great value from one of Bordeaux's most sought after appellations. |