Presentation
Presentation
Château La Louvière has many fascinating facets. The sumptuous architecture of the château building dates from the late 18th century, but winegrowing here goes back more than 700 years. The first vines were planted circa 1310, although modern winemaking dates from the 17th century and was handed down by able monks from the Carthusian monastery in Bordeaux, who had acquired considerable talent as viticulturists and winemakers. The people who produce the wine in the 21st century have inherited these time-honoured methods, adding just the right amount of innovation and modernity to make the utmost of the outstanding terroir. La Louvière's red wine has a dark colour and an elegant bouquet with delicate hints of oak...
The vintage
2022 was a particularly atypical year due to extreme weather conditions. ln addition to a very early frost in the spring, which affected the vineyard just as the vines were starting to bud, there was a long period of exceptional drought from May until the end of September. The result was low yields and a perfect state of health at harvest time throughout the vineyard.
Terroir
Deep gravel
In the vineyard
Pruning type: Double Guyot with debudding.
Grape Harvest: By hand with small deep crates.
Grape Harvest: By hand with small deep crates.
Harvest
06 September - 11 October 2022
Winemaking
Integral vinification (20% of the total volume) in various containers (wooden rolls , 500 liter oak barrels, terra cotta amphoras). Long vatting times and management of phenolic extractions.
Ageing
For 12 months in oak barrels (40-50 % new) with racking
Varietals
Merlot : 70%
Cabernet sauvignon : 30%
Cabernet sauvignon : 30%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14 % vol.
Surface area of the vineyard : 113.66 ha
Age of vines : 26 years old
Advice
Serving
For 12 months in oak barrels (40 50% new). Aged in 15% terra cotta amphoras.
Ageing potential
Over 15 years
Tasting
A lovely deep garnet-red colour.
The nose is particularly expressive, with aromas of ripe red fruit (cherries) and black fruit (plums, blackcurrants, blackberries). The barrel ageing also brings out toasty, slightly vanilla notes and a very pleasant hint of hazelnut. The whole thing is very seductive and delicious.
On the palate, the attack is soft and velvety, followed by a generous mid-palate that offers volume and a pleasant sweetness on the finish that covers the tannins perfectly. Good length. A promising vintage in more ways than one, with great ageing potential.
The nose is particularly expressive, with aromas of ripe red fruit (cherries) and black fruit (plums, blackcurrants, blackberries). The barrel ageing also brings out toasty, slightly vanilla notes and a very pleasant hint of hazelnut. The whole thing is very seductive and delicious.
On the palate, the attack is soft and velvety, followed by a generous mid-palate that offers volume and a pleasant sweetness on the finish that covers the tannins perfectly. Good length. A promising vintage in more ways than one, with great ageing potential.
Food pairings
Roast rack of lamb with herbs, duck breast with red fruits, pressed cooked cheese (Comté or Beaufort).
Reviews
"Juicy and clean, a lovely purity of fruit - blackcurrant, black cherry and creamy blueberries. Straight frame and sleek texture, tannins are slightly textured giving a soft, chalky grip to the palate, mouth coating tannins but gives a nice weight to the overall expression. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the freshness, overall this is quite a delicate, light style. Very easy drinking with some appealing herbal bramble fruit, salinity and soft dark chocolate touches. Really fresh, and grippy with a powdery dry touch to the finish. A yield of 47hl/ha. (Tasted en Primeur)"
"Very tight center palate here with currant, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Medium body. Focused and bright. (Tasted en Primeur)"
