Chateau de Pic Premières Cotes de Bordeaux

The long strip of land on the right bank of the Garonne stretching from just north of Bordeaux down to St. Macaire is known as the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux. The strip is about a mile or two wide. The area is pretty and in times gone by successful producers in the rather flat and unpicturesque Medoc invested in property in this region.

Just such a property is Chateau de Pic, a 14th Century castle perched on a knoll at La Tourne, almost right in the centre of the 30 mile stretch of land. The owner, Francois Masson-Regnault is a dedicated vigneron who studied oenology at Dijon and has brought flair and enthusiasm into the production of wines in this region.

It is no wonder that he consistently wins medals for all his wines. The grape varieties grown are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which produce the red and rose wines. The Rose is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It is a nettlely fresh and fruity wine and is one of the most special roses that we have tasted.

The Chateau de Pic reds are soft, supple wines with depth of colour and fruit, delicious when drunk young but will also age for up to five years. The fermentation is allowed to heat up to a maximum of 36 degrees, (30 being normal). The blend of the non-oaked red is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Merlot. This higher percentage of Merlot gives softness affording early drinking. Medals and mentions in the Guide Hachette are the norm for wines from this property.

The Cuvee Tradition is a wine of a slightly different blend being 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. It is subjected to a period of about twelve months in new oak barriques. The wine is soft and easy drinking even when young but because of the blend and its period spent in wood it will age for up to ten years.

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