Château Jean Faux
Article: May 2019
Region : Bordeaux
Appellation : AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
Winemaker : Pascal Collotte
Area : 12 hectares
Grape varieties : 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc in Red
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon in white
Climate : Oceanic
Labels : Organic farming, Biodyvin, Demeter
The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation
The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation is an AOC from the Bordeaux wine region. She responds, however, to higher quality standards than the Bordeaux appellation. Between other, a minimum wine aging time, older vines ...
Château Jean Faux is located on the edge of the Dordogne , east of Libourne and facing Saint Emilion.
In Bordeaux, the 3 major grape varieties authorized in red are: Cabernet-sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Other lesser-known grape varieties are allowed there as a supplement: Petit Verdot and Malbec.
In white, the grape varieties are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle.
The climate is Bordeaux and oceanic: temperate, soft and humid. Summers can be hot and stormy and the nights are cool thanks to the oceanic influence. The Gironde estuary and its many rivers and streams protect the vineyards from frost .
The domain
Pascal Collotte acquired Château Jean Faux in 2002 after shining in the cooperage: Pascal Collotte's barrels were famous and exported all over the world. He applies this same taste to the excellence to his vineyard.
He is assisted by his friend Stéphane Derenoncourt who advises many major domains including Châteaux La Tour Figeac or Smith Haut Laffite.
Upon his arrival in 2002, Pascal Collotte restructured the 50 hectares of the estate. Some vines are uprooted and he decides not to exploit that the best plots by selecting the grape varieties depending on the exhibitions, slopes or ground. Thus, the domain today relies on 12 hectares of vines. The density of the vines (number of vines) is also reviewed. It is now worthy of that of a classified grand cru: nearly 7,500 vines per hectare when the average in France is 4,000. This makes it possible to produce fewer grapes per vine, and therefore grapes with more concentrated aromas and therefore of much better quality!
The domain therefore starts from this solid base, which now includes all the attributes to make great wines.
Agriculture
The Collotte family cultivates their 12 hectares of vines in agriculture organic, certified by Ecocert since 2011 and according to the principles of Biodynamics since 2015 , certified by Biodyvin in 2016 and Demeter in 2017 .
The vines are planted on the most beautiful slopes of the estate . Grass grows there and some seeds help develop a healthy ecosystem. There are even wild leeks, excellent in soup it seems! The vegetation allows a healthy competition and shelters various insects and toward of earth that allow the ground to renew its nutrients and create a microbial balance. The soil is alive, loose and light.
The other 38 hectares that are no longer planted are left fallow and help to contribute to biodiversity . It also helps create space with neighbors . Pascal Collotte thus preserves his vines from the volatility of chemicals that can used Around.
Harvests are manual in order to ensure a perfect selection of the bunches. The grapes are harvested at fair maturity depending on exposure. For example, the top of the plots are harvested last because they are slightly cooler and require a few days. extra to reach their peak.
So the grapes reveal their best expressions in two great wines of great complexity : a red and a white.
Wines
Red:
" Sainte Radegonde " is the Château's great wine. It is made up of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc . The selected grapes come from the best plots and the aging is particularly careful: more than 1 year in oak barrels (50% of which are new), then 1 year in concrete tank.
The harvest is manual to ensure a perfect selection. The grapes are harvested at fair maturity depending on exposure.
The nose is incredibly complex and expressive, a sign of great wines. On the palate, the wine is round , with beautiful tannins and very concentrated fruit . We find notes of raspberries, blackberry jam, but also floral notes of violet or even spices such as vanilla and liquorice. A delicious nectar.
White:
"Sainte Radegonde red "is superb, " Sainte Radegonde white " is even better ! In all classifications, white comes above red. It regularly appears among the best dry white wines of Bordeaux.
It is composed of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon which reinforces the fruity fragrance of the wine. The harvest is manual. The vinification is precise: Maceration and aging in oak barrels, 15% of which are new, so as not to mark the wine too much . Pascal Collotte likes to say "The oak barrel is like the frame of a beautiful painting", it embellishes it, but the main thing is what's inside. There is no malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the freshness of the wine and the aging is done on lees.
In tasting, the wine is balanced , with aromas of mirabelle plum , peach and white flowers . The subtle aging in barrels adds complexity with hints of vanilla and a light woody note. The finish is long and graceful. A great success.
The boutique of Château Jean Faux
