Description
The Château de Mérande Le Comte Rouge Mondeuse wine first captivates with its shimmering colour: a deep purple with violet hues. A symphony of aromas unfolds on the nose: spices, leather, nutmeg and subtle floral notes. But it is on the palate that the explosion of sensations truly unfolds. A full-bodied, velvety palate, complex, dense tannins and an exceptional aftertaste. An undeniable length provides the ultimate hallmark of truly great wines.
Origin of the Château de Mérande ‘Le Comte Rouge’ cuvée
The cuvée takes its name from Amédée VII, Count of Savoy, known as the Red Count, who owned vineyards on the slopes of Château de Mérande.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
- GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Mondeuse
- TERROIR: glacial moraine covered with clay-limestone sediments
- PRUNING: Cordon de Royat with 3 spurs of no more than 2 buds
- CULTIVATION: Organic and biodynamic
- YIELD: 40 hl/ha
- VINIFICATION: hand-harvested, destemmed grapes, cold pre-fermentation maceration followed by a ten-day fermentation in the Burgundian style but using indigenous yeasts
- AGEING: Once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wines are transferred to partially new barrels for ageing for 8 to 12 months
Organic and biodynamic farming in the service of the terroir
Château de Mérande has been certified organic since 2009 (Ecocert). The Genoux family also manages the entire estate according to biodynamic principles (Biodyvin). All vineyard work is carried out with the aim of preserving the surrounding natural environment: terraces, hedgerows and copses. Château de Mérande is committed to preserving biodiversity at the heart of its Savoie vineyards.
To ensure the terroir expresses itself in its purest form, André and Daniel Genoux use no weedkillers or other pesticides. They apply biodynamic preparations of plant, mineral or animal origin to the soil and vines. This is done at specific times based on the vine’s cycle and in accordance with a lunar and planetary calendar. The soil is tilled using a crawler tractor, a winch or animal traction.
All this work proves to be a colossal undertaking when one realises the steep gradients of the hillsides where the vines have taken root. But all these efforts are not without reward, as the wines powerfully express the identity of these great terroirs.
What to eat with a Mondeuse Le Comte Rouge from Château de Mérande?
. Game marinades. Red wine venison stew
. Cheeses: Tomme de Savoie
or Reblochon.
