Chateau Calvimont Graves 2019

Château Calvimont is a 12-hectare estate in Cérons, within the Graves appellation on Bordeaux’s left bank, where Caroline and Xavier Perromat farm vineyards averaging around 25 years old. The vines are planted on a classic Graves combination of mixed gravel, sand and small stones over an oceanic limestone subsoil, giving the wines both warmth and a distinctive mineral freshness. The estate follows certified environmental practices under HVE3, SME and ISO 14001, with disbudding, leaf thinning and green harvesting carried out by hand. The 2019 growing season began with a mild, wet winter and early growth before a hot, dry summer. Storms in August brought useful rainfall and cooler conditions, allowing the grapes to finish ripening with good balance and aromatic precision.

The 2019 is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, combining the cassis, structure and freshness of Cabernet with the softer, more generous plum and red-fruit character of Merlot. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with a short cold maceration followed by around 20 days of vinification and gentle extraction. After malolactic fermentation in concrete, the wine spends 12 months in French oak, with 25% new barrels and the remainder previously used for one vintage. Wild cherry, strawberry and blackberry lead the nose, followed by subtle spice, graphite and a faint savoury note. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, chalky tannins and restrained oak. A versatile Graves red for roast lamb, steak, duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and hard cheeses.