Château La Gaffelière 2024

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château La Gaffelière 2024

Tasting

This vintage is captivating with its fresh and balanced Merlots, as well as floral Cabernets of great finesse.

The freshness and complexity of a Grand Cru from Saint-Émilion

The property
Located at the southern entrance of the village of Saint-Émilion, the Château La Gaffelière, Premier Grand Cru Classé, has roots in ancient history. Archaeological remains, notably mosaics unearthed during excavations, testify to the presence of vines on these lands since Gallo-Roman times. Owned by the Malet Roquefort family for over 300 years, this exceptional estate, nestled in the prestigious "golden triangle" between the slopes of Châteaux Pavie and Ausone, embodies all the nobility and finesse of the great red wines of Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard
The 22-hectare vineyard of Château La Gaffelière benefits from an exceptional terroir in the golden triangle of Saint-Émilion. It is spread over three distinct areas: a limestone plateau, a clay-limestone slope, and a more siliceous foot of slope. This geological diversity gives the wine its characteristic complexity and aromatic richness. The estate practices grassing of the plots and favors an agro-ecological approach respectful of the environment.

The vintage
The 2024 vintage began with a slightly late flowering, showing a delay of 7 to 10 days compared to 2023. The summer was characterized by alternating rainy episodes and high heat. These climatic conditions allowed the Merlots to reach a beautiful maturity while maintaining freshness and balance.

Vinification and aging
The manually harvested grapes were placed in a cold room at 7°C for 12 hours before undergoing rigorous optical sorting. Parcel vinification took place in gravity-filled, thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, with a pre-fermentation at cold (8-10°C) followed by a post-fermentation at hot (30°C). 28 to 30 days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation was carried out 75% in vats and 25% in barrels. Aging continues in barrels, 60% of which are new, including 15% of 400 and 500L barrels, supplemented by 2% in TAVA amphorae.

Blend
60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.