Terroir

Precise, meticulous orchestration

Like Château Léoville-Poyferré which is Classified and produced in same cellars, Château Moulin-Riche terroir is located between Margaux and Pauillac on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary, Saint-Julien is a small appellation of 920 hectares.As far as the eye can see, the land is covered with pebbles that naturally regulate soil temperature. Gravel, sand and clay are the other components of this geological alchemy, the result of sedimentary deposits by the Garonne in the Quaternary period. The vineyards of the appellation stretch over gravelly ridges that have been finely chiseled by erosion and designed to promote excellent drainage. Man could not have done better.

Since the 2009 vintage, Château Moulin Riche has regained full possession of its identity and is produced only from the best plots of its terroir which in 1932 already produced a wine which was classified as "Cru-Bourgeois Exceptional". It is therefore no longer a second wine, but another Grand Vin produced by Château Léoville-Poyferré.

Meticulous soil care

The vineyard of Château Léoville Poyferré sits on gravely, well drained soils that create a balanced environment for the vines. Soil analysis is the basis for vineyard practices, which are adapted to the condition of the vineyard (tillage, earthing up…)

Work in the vineyard

As in the old days, each vineyard worker is responsible for his or her vineyard plots and prunes them in the traditional Médoc method.Prior to vegetation, manure is added. In early May, various canopy management techniques are employed according to vine growth and desired results.

Fixing the harvest date

About three weeks before harvest, Didier Cuvelier, Michel Rolland, Isabelle Davin (Château’s oenologist), Bruno Clenet (Vineyard Manager) et Didier Thomann (Cellar Master) go through the entire vineyard to taste the grapes, which completes the results from analysis. Plans for the harvest begin to develop.

The Harvest

The grapes have been harvested into small crates. The grape bunches are first sorted by hand on tables before destemming, then a second time by optical sorting maching before crushing. Each vineyard plot is vinifided individually in one of the fifty-six stainless steel vats, of which twenty seven are double-walled.

Vinification

Vinification is mainly focused on the quality and finesse of the tannins, characterized by research and innovation in maintaining qualitative tradition and lineage of the style of Léoville Poyferré. The 27 double-walled tanks are used for cold pre-fermentation macerations for 6 days. The extraction of color occurs gradually and pure fruit aromas are revealed. Particular care is taken in the selection of barrels for subtle oak in harmony with the wines. The wines are aged in barrels for 18-20 months. Michel Rolland provides advice for vinification and blending.

For over a century we have been the inheritors of a unique terroir: a heritage that is both a privilege and a responsibility. This responsibility is at the very heart of our environmental consciousness, in the ever changing landscape of the world.Thanks to our teams’ daily dedication we are able to reconcile these two ambitions, excellence and accessibility so that each tasting is memorable. This is why we also take great pride in warmly welcoming our guests at the property throughout the year, a warmth of heart and character which is famed in the North of France and true to our roots.

Sara Lecompte-Cuvelier