Three lifetimes of winemaking brought the partners of Château Mayne Guyon to this sleepy corner of Bordeaux in 1995, in search of grape growing heritage and forgotten potential. They chose Blaye for its history of producing world-class wines, partially outshadowed by their more famous neighbors directly across the river. Indeed, the Château Mayne Guyon vineyard lies within view of Château Margaux. Situated on the best terroir in the appellation – a limestone hillside, cooled by river breezes – this historic property outperforms some of the region’s wines priced ten times or higher !

TERROIR

Appellation

In front of the Medoc’s Grand Crus, just across the Gironde estuary, the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOC is the home of some of the best and oldest Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec of the entire region, with a similar terroir as Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, the wonderful clay and limestone soil. But the wines of Blaye are accessible at a lower price, the best quality/price ratio in the Bordeaux area.

Climate & geology

Windy, oceanic climate with warm summers and mild winters. Vines grow on a limestone foundation, covered by gravel and sandy stone. The wines pick up a nervy minerality and intensity of flavor from the poor, depleted soils.

Varietals

80% Merlot

10% Cabernet Sauvignon

10% Malbec

WINEMAKING & VINIFICATION

The natural grass is kept between the rows and the ground under the vine-plants is worked mechanically to galvanize the microbial life and push the roots to go deeper. The property, already certified HEV level 3 (High Environmental Value, the highest level of French environmental certification for farms), is being converted to organic farming.

The harvest is picked thank to a machine with latest technologies and is brought in vat house only intact berries perfectly ripe, without stem, leave or wood. Then the wine is vinified in stainless tanks at low temperatures. After the running off, the ageing is run in oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

The aromas show classic, old world notes of cassis, kirsch, cedar and freshly tilled earth. The palate, however, is thoroughly modern – waves and waves of dark fruit, violets and vanilla. A sophisticated wine – layered, plush, and refined – that is equally enjoyable on its own or with hearty cuisine.