Chateau Delmond Sauternes 2023 (Half bottle)

Chateau Delmond Sauternes

Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 37.5cl

Grape: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

This Sauternes is pale gold in colour with fresh floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose. Apricot, honey and peach mix with citrus peel and creamy flavours on the palate. It is medium to full bodied with refreshing acidity to balance the lingering sweet finish.

ean-Christophe Barbe's vineyards are located in the commune of Preignac. He has 13 hectares which all qualify for Sauternes status. The average age of the vines is 30 years. Château Delmond is made from slightly younger vines, resulting in a fresher, lighter style, yet with the complexity and luscious feel of good Sauternes. The soils are composed of gravel on a limestone bedrock. Jean-Christophe and the team farm the vineyards following sustainable practices. These include a herd of ‘landais’ sheep (an endangered local breed from the Landes forest) who graze in the vineyards from November until March/April and provide natural fertilizer to enrich the soils.

The grapes were harvested in several 'passes' through the vineyard and gently pressed in a pneumatic and vertical hydraulic press. The alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature of 20-22°C. Unoaked, the wine was aged in tank for 18 months prior to bottling.

Delmond was the name of Jean-Christophe’s grandfather who originally bought the property. The same amount of care that goes into Château Laville is used to make Château Delmond, with several passes through the vineyards at harvest to pick the perfect botrytised berries. "At least 80% of the blend is made from botrytis-affected grapes," says Jean-Christophe. The wine is a blend of predominantly Semillon with a small percentage of Sauvignon Blanc and is aged in tank for 18 months prior to bottling.