Château Sociando-Mallet, Ht-Médoc (Impériale) - 2020

Viticulture

Superb exposure on the banks of the Gironde, which benefits from the moderating role of this body of water. The vineyard is made up of 2/3 of beautiful, very fat gravelly soils on very rich clay-marl subsoils which require even more extensive drainage, but which give the Cabernet-Sauvignon a frankness and vigour of expression similar to Latour. And 1/3 of heavier, more clayey soils, often favourable to Merlot which triumphs in dry and hot years.

Oenology

Hand-picked in crates, with sorting on a table before de-stemming. Traditional vinification, with indigenous yeasts, in cement and stainless steel vats, temperature-controlled. Vatting time of 25 to 30 days. Malolactic fermentation in vats, without seeding. Aged in 100% new barrels for 12 months. Total ageing period of 18 months.