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Château Chasse-Spleen**** in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation in Bordeaux has bought the neighbouring Château Brillette (pictured). The estate has a 35 ha plot of fine gravel soil planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chasse-Spleen team expects this to provide more structure for their own wines.
The owner families Merlaut-Villars of Chasse-Spleen and Flageul of Brillette have been working closely together for many years. Since the Flageuls want to concentrate on other activities, it was obvious for them to offer their château to their friendly neighbours. Chasse-Spleen now comes into possession of all four gravel ridges on the western edge of the Moulis appellation. Oenologist Eric Boissenot knows both terroirs very well, as he previously worked for Brillette. He hopes that the merger and the increased proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon on deep gravel will bring "an even stronger Médoc aspect" to the Chasse-Spleen. According to comments by the Merlaut-Villars family of owners, this could give the wines even more depth and consolidate the estate's status as a leading producer in Moulis-en-Médoc.
The vineyards of Château Chasse-Spleen are currently 50 per cent planted with Cabernet Sauvignon; in the Grand Vin, its share is usually around 65 per cent.
(al / Photo: www.moulis.com)