Wine of the Week– French Bordeaux from ALDI “La Chartreuse” De Prieuré Marquet 2015
*Editors Note-This article is from the Archives and NO LONGER IN STOCK AT ALDI!
I was pleasantly surprised to see this fabulous wine re-appear on the ALDI shelves in Sydney just in time for the Tour de France cycling event 2021! Thanks to all the hundreds of ST readers who have discovered last years article and asked me to refresh it,..Our Google analytics figures confirmed the repeat interest,.. and I am pleased to say the 2015 vintage hasn’t changed so the article below and comments remain valid…However I did go into the Maroubra store and purchased the last bottle on the shelf,..still priced at $14.99 ,.. which I intend to consume this evening paired with a “Luv a Duck” Pan Fried and Baked Duck Breast and Red Cabbage ! Share your experiences in the wine world with the Team at the Sydney Times Wine Club here : [email protected]
“La Chartreuse” De Prieuré Marquet 2015
Although not wildly complex,like a Classified Growth Bordeaux,.. this wine proved to be enjoyeable and smooth and is a damn good quality wine, considering its modest pricepoint $14.99. (Please note that it costs the same in Pounds in the UK ,..so it really does represent extraordinary good value!)
Terroir and Variety:
A Right Bank 100% Merlot from a recently revamped estate just north of St-Émilion with a very swanky hotel and a pristine cellar. The estate’s vineyard is located on a “deep silty-clay rump” which gives the wine its power and its substance. Whilst the wine is produced in the less prestigious Canon Fronsac (located North East of Bordeaux, near Libourne),.,.. I reckon the terroir is pretty similar to that in the more prestigious appellation of St Emilion,..adjacent,.. which is renowned worldwide for its “plummy and velvety smooth Merlot dominated blend of wine” as is the climate.
The publicity proclaims that “This terroir confers on the wines a freshness and a singular charm”. The Prieuré Marquet wines are the result of work conducted with passion, seriousness and pleasure. Bernard Canonne, the estate owner, entrusted the responsibility of the destiny of this exceptional wine heritage to Luc Barusseau, an accomplished oenologist .The expression of the terroir is an element that takes on its full meaning in the wines of Château Prieuré Marquet , from the work of the vine to the cellars.
Here, attention to detail and a sense of precision inspire everyone at every step, both in the renovation of the château and in the monitoring of the vineyard and the patient production of the wines Chartreuse de Prieuré Marquet 2015 .
The wine is 100% Merlot and the vines are grown on a Deep silty-clay Terroir. The age of the vines is 15 to 25 years old
Appearance:
Bouquet:
On the Palate :
Generally Merlot wines tend to be quite plummy in character,…and whilst this may well have a black plum character on the nose and the palate,(or ripe black cherry)..I instinctively concluded that the dominant bouquet was reminiscent of ripe Blackberries.
Now I have frequently been amused by witnessing wine aficionados each finding different flavour characteristics and Descriptors for the same wine!
Personally I think,.if you haven’t actually spent time in a forest or grown Berries and then stewed or conserved them,..into a jam or conserve ,..its difficult to distinguish fruit characteristics in an actual wine….but In this case ,..“I think its tout simple!”
Winemaking
From 3 to 4 weeks from vatting to runoff. The grapes are picked mechanically and sorted by hand, near fermentation maceration for 24 to 48 hours at 16-18 ° C, fermentation for 5 to 7 days in tanks at 26 ° C.
Medals and Awards:
This wine has been awarded a Silver Medal at Concours Mondial de Bruxelle
TOURISM-La Chartreuse De Prieuré Marquet
The Chateau Prieuré Marquet is located north of Bordeaux, near Libourne and Saint-Emilion, in the center of the Bordeaux countryside. Beautiful in all seasons, the area boasts rolling hills, vineyards, charming villages and elegant châteaux.
Located on a hill, the castle dominates its surroundings.From the large terrace, the view encompasses beautiful vineyards and forest landscape. A long pathway leads to the authentic “chartreuse” made from traditional Bordeaux limestone, characterized by its four main buildings arranged around a large open courtyard.
Since its acquisition in 2014, the castle has undergone a complete renovation including a respectfully modernized wine storehouse, in keeping with the traditional spirit of the settings. In a classic and contemporary harmonious blending, noble materials deal with bold gestures of great designers.
A high-end guest house, the Château Prieuré Marquet is now a luxurious haven which offers both exclusive and unprecedented services. Preserved and enhanced, the castle’s soul is embodied in a warm setting where each guest can enjoy a real “French lifestyle ».
Forming several hectares, the vineyard extends from the foot of the castle. Tours and tastings are offered so you can enjoy all the advantages of an estate designed for vacation and viticulture.
