Chateau Fleur Cardinale 2021

An elegant and fresh Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe

The estate

A Grand Cru Classe, Chateau Fleur Cardinale reveals all the typical features of the Saint-Emilion terroir, an illustrious appellation situated on the right bank of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Château Fleur Cardinale 2021 is a Saint-Emilion wine that stems from a 22-hectare vineyard. The vines are 30 years old on average and are planted on a real mosaic of terroirs, comprising 7 different soils and sub-soils of clay-limestone nature. While 2021 marks the launch of the estate’s conversion to organic farming, this vintage also marks the end of the renovation work to modernize the property's technical and reception facilities.

The vintage

Although 2021 is drier than previous years, it is marked by two major climatic events. The frost in April impacted production by 15 to 20%, and the heavy rainfall in June (180 mm) led to a very strong mildew pressure and a 30% loss in yield. Although July was relatively cool, the end of the summer and the beginning of autumn were particularly mild and ensured the preservation of the grapes' quality.

Vinification and aging

Manual harvesting in small crates is followed by rigorous sorting in the vineyard, using a densimetric sorter and then manually. Vatting by gravity with a 5hl vat. Vinification in 17 68 to 109-hL stainless steel truncated-cone vats, 5 thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks of 21 to 52 hL and 3 83-hL vats. Micro-vinification in 20 500-liter barrels for 20% of the production.

In a constant quest for excellence, Chateau Fleur Cardinale has just completed a rigorous 3-year study on the impact of wood during the vinification process, particularly regarding the quality of the grapes in the barrels used and the search for the finest expression. This vintage was aged for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels (90% new, 10% second-fill) from 11 coopers and 2 750-liter amphorae (3% of the blend).

The blend

Merlot (60%)

Cabernet Franc (30%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (10%).

Chateau Fleur Cardinale 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color

This wine showcases a beautiful purple color, with hints of violet.

Nose

The nose is very delicate, blending fragrances of bright fruit with subtle floral notes.

Palate

A fresh attack precedes a perfectly structured mouth. Throughout the tasting experience, the palate combines finesse and salinity, all sustained by elegant tannins. The finish is persistent and gives off delicious aromas of fresh blackcurrant.