Château Gazin
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: Château Gazin is known for producing fine wines in Pomerol, a small region of Bordeaux. When planning a visit to Château Gazin be sure to contact the winery for an appointment.
Located in the Bordeaux wine region, Chateau Gazin is in Pomerol, one of the smaller appellations of Bordeaux. Christophe, Laure, Ines and Nicolas de Bailliencourt dit Courcol own the property. They are the descendants of the original owner. It was their great grandfather Louis Soualle who purchased the property in the early 1900s. Today their children are the fifth generation responsible for maintaining the winery and vineyards.
History
Historic papers show that vineyards were planted in this area in the 12th century. In 1214 the king of France, Philippe Auguste, gave the family the name of Courcol. This was a reward for skill during the Battle of Bouvines. In the 1700s a village occupied the location of Château Gazin as did the Hospital of Pomeyrols. The hospital provided the inspiration for Château Gazin’s second label of wine l'Hospitalet de Gazin.
Vineyards
The vineyards consist of 26 hectares (64 acres) and include Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is the predominant planting in the vineyard taking up 97 percent of the area. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in seven percent of the vineyard, while Cabernet Franc makes up three percent of the vineyard. The vines are planted close together with between 5,500 and 7,000 vines per hectare. As of 2013, the average age of the vines was 35 years. Grapevines are in soil with a surface level of gravel and a subsoil of blue and green clay. The clay helps to keep water in the soil.
Organic fertilizers are applied to the vineyard and there is a minimal use of pesticides. Grapes are hand-harvested and initially sorted in the vineyard.
Winery
Additional sorting of the grapes takes place in the winery. The winery uses concrete vats of a variety of sizes. Each vat matches a plot in the vineyard. Fermentation and maceration take two to three weeks. The free-run wine is kept separate from the pressed wine. Malolactic fermentation takes place with 50 percent barrels and 50 percent vats. Before placing the wines in the vats, the inside of the tanks are sprayed with tartaric acid.
A gleaming stainless steel circular stairway leads to the second floor loft where the winemaker can tend the tanks below.
The barrel room is extensive and can hold 600 to 800 oak barrels. Wines age in the barrel room for up to 18 months. During this time, the wines are racked and blended. The wines continue to have contact with the fine lees. Views from one end of the room and wood beam ceiling provide a great photo opportunity.
Tasting Room
We had an enjoyable tasting of the 2011 wine in the expansive wine tasting room. Large ceiling beams provide atmosphere as do the Oriental rugs. There was room to meander and eventually I made my way to a corner with several books about wine.
Wine
Château Gazin produces first and second label wines. First label wines are aged in 50 percent new oak and 50 percent one-year-old oak. Second label wines are aged in older oak.
Our group of visitors was offered a tasting of the 2011 Chateau Gazin Pomerol wine. The wine was produced with 90 percent Merlot, five percent Cabernet Franc and five percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The color was dark ruby to black. The aroma offered dark fruit notes while the taste had nuances of cherry and leather. The finish offered bold tannins with hints of mushrooms, spice, leather and some fruit.
Appointments are necessary to visit Château Gazin. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping between the tasting room and a vineyard.
Château Gazin
33500 POMEROL, France
33 (0)5 57 51 07 05
Article written July 2013
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