Le Comte de Malartic 2021

The freshness and aromatic expression of a Pessac-Léognan Second Wine

The estate

Under the auspices of the Bonnie family, the majestic Château Malartic-Lagravière has experienced a spectacular growth. This Grand Cru Classé de Graves benefits from an exceptional location, with a vineyard superbly situated on a gravelly outcropping. Endowed with state-of-the-art technical facilities, Château Malartic-Lagravière shines in the appellation, with white and red wines which stand out among the finest vineyards of Pessac-Léognan.

The vineyard

Château Malartic-Lagravière 2021 is a Pessac-Léognan wine made from a 73-hectare vineyard, of which 66 hectares comprise red grapes. The vines, which are 28 years old on average, are planted in dry gravel and clay soils. The subsoil is made up of shell limestone and clay veins.

The wine

Since the 2020 vintage, La Réserve de Malartic has been renamed "Le Comte de Malartic". It is the Second Wine of the estate.

The vintage

Although the mild winter and early spring favoured an early bud break, the growth was slowed down by a particularly cold and dry second half of spring. Thanks to late pruning, the heavy frosts on April 6th and 7th had a limited impact on the vineyard. Despite the heavy rainfall in May, the flowering recorded at the end of May-beginning of June under good conditions was uniform and rapid. Subsequently, the unstable weather conditions punctuated by stormy episodes until mid-July led to a strong mildew pressure and a very active vegetative growth. The dry period stretching from the end of the veraison stage to the beginning of the harvest was beneficial and helped to refine the ripeness of the grapes. The harvested grapes are healthy, dense and reveal a beautiful aromatic freshness.

Vinification and ageing

Following the manual harvests of each plot, the grapes are carefully selected on a double sorting table. Then, the vinification process is carried out in small truncated wooden and stainless steel thermo-regulated vats with double walls. Vatting lasts 3 weeks. The wine is blended early. Lastly, it is aged in French oak barrels (30% new) on the lees.

The blend

Comte de Malartic 2021 red wine comprises a blend of Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Petit Verdot (3%).