By Chateau Barrail Chevrol
Fronsac

The Estate
Patrick Dorneau's family has been living in Fronsac since 1870. Four successive generations have worked on their vines, now comprising 22 hectares divided between two estates. The grower and owner looks after the vines and winery, while his wife handles commercial matters. His has an uncompromising approach to vine management, constantly challenging himself to achieve the best possible quality while limiting yields. He may not have the means of a Grand Cru, but he does sometimes use their methods, meticulously replanting and restructuring the vineyards. The vine makes the wine, but it must be guided by the human hand to rein in the vigor of the plants by plowing, grass cover, bud removal, and green harvesting. In the winery, he opts for long maceration with micro-oxygenation, applying the Ducourneau method. He was among the first in the region to use this technique that is only possible on grapes boasting optimal phenolic ripeness. The strong personality of the terroir, enhanced by precise, effective methods, endows Barrail Chevrol with a stature that has earned it many awards in the wine guides.

Owner: Michel et Patrick Dorneau
Production Area: Fronsac
Soil: Clay-limestone slopes on a limestone fossil base
Grape Varieties: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Winemaking: Bordeaux methods with perfectly-ripe grapes, finely-tuned polyphenol extraction monitored by tasting. Matured on the fine lees with carefully-dosed oxygenation.

Tasting Notes
Color: Brilliant deep raspberry red color
Nose: Fine and mature, reminiscent of Bulgarian rose, cassis compote, and roasted walnut
Palate: Balanced and rounded with generous flesh and a delicate array of morello cherry, black pepper, and cocoa notes

Serving Suggestion
Ideal with stews, roast poultry, duck confit, or a side of beef.
[Information provided by DHI Selections]

Chateau Barrail Chevrol 2018 Fronsac
Rating: 92 Editors' Choice
Designation: Maison Grand Cru
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Appellation: Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
Winery: Chateau Barrail Chevrol
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: Red
Date Published: 3/1/2022
Reviewed by: Roger Voss
Bold black fruits and ripe tannins give this wine richness and a good structure. Black-currant fruitiness offers a promising indication for the future. Drink the wine from 2023.