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M DE MALLE
WHITE GRAVES
The M. de Malle is a dry White Graves wine
originating in the Graves appellation vineyards of Château
de Malle. It is meticulously vinified according to time tested
tradition combining the most modern technology and the utmost
patience and devotion. This fine wine is in fact a rarity
as its production never exceeds 7,000 bottles per year.
THE VINEYARDS
The
three hectares making up M. de Malle are situated to the east
of Preignac, in the small commune of Toulenne. The sandy and
gravelly clay soil is perfectly suited to the making of great
dry white wine.
The vineyard is planted with the Sauvignon grape (75%), which
provides the fruit, the aroma and freshness to the wine, whilst
the other grape variety, the Semillon (25%), imparts roundness
and finesse to this fine wine. The vines are approximately
15 years old and the density of plantation is 6,600 vines
per hectare.
The system of pruning used in the vineyards is extremely severe.
The grapes are picked by hand and the size of the vintage
does not exceed 30 to 40 hectolitres per hectare.
THE CELLARS
The grapes are brought to the cellars in small loads. The
vinification of M. de Malle is a veritable labour of love
using a vinification process that perfectly combines the latest
oenological techniques and science with an authentic “back
to origins” traditional approach. An initial prefermentation
cold maceration precedes the very delicate pressing of the
grapes. The addition of enzymes and the settling of the must
are also done under strict cold temperature conditions. The
fermentation takes place in the most traditional fashion in
new oak barrels.
The wine spends approximately 9 months on the fine lees, depending
upon the vintage. The maturing in stave – wood (split,
not sawn) oak barrels lasts between 6 and 9 months. One third
new barrels and 2/3 one year old barrels are used. The wine
is bottled in May and June and is then rested for a minimum
period of 12 months.
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