|
|
The third-classified Château Ferrière in Margaux and the fifth-classified Château Haut Bages Libéral in Pauillac have joined the Union des Vignerons Bordeaux Pirate group with alternative wines. Owner Claire Villars-Lurton has registered two of her wines under the "Bordeaux Pirate" label: the orange wine "Inspiration" from Château Ferrière made from Chenin Blanc and the Piwi varieties Muscaris and Souvignier Gris vinified in amphorae as Vin de France, and the cuvée "Ceres" from Château Haut Bages Libéral produced in agroforestry under the label Haut-Médoc. Both wines cost 35 euros per bottle.
Claire Villars-Lurton, who cultivates her vineyards biodynamically, says of her motivation to join the Bordeaux Pirates: "Having a Grand Cru Classé allows you to try things out and take risks. As we can sell our wines at ten times the price of a classic Bordeaux, I think it's a must. I am convinced that we can save viticulture through experimentation. She explains that mildew is a major problem, although agroecology strengthens the vines and soil. As a result, she now earns "much less money than 15 years ago, and sometimes I even lose money. But I see the development in the long term".
The "Bordeaux Pirate" group says it is not concerned with specific philosophies, but focusses on personal identity and innovation. Organic certification is mandatory. The "Bordeaux Pirate" label is awarded to AOC wines from Bordeaux; for the IGP-Vin de France labelled "Cuvée Pirate", 72 cuvées will soon be tested by 35 tasters. According to the Union, these cuvées "come from both large and very small vineyards, both from our own vineyards and from the trade. The fact that even two classified wines are joining our adventure this year shows that Bordeaux is reinventing itself in all areas".
(al / Source: vitisphere)