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Barreling at
Château de la Gardine
Decoding :
At Château de la Gardine, racking the wine in barrels is much more than a simple winemaking stage. It's a skill that the Brunel family has been mastering for over 60 years. Each barrel plays a crucial role in the construction of a wine:
‘Each barrel is chosen to enhance the wine, not to dominate it,’ says Jérôme Tilli, the estate's cellar master. This philosophy guides the cellar team in ensuring that the wine finds its purest, most balanced expression.
Discover how this method shapes the wines of Château de la Gardine.
Why is the barreling so crucial in the vinification process ?
Barreling (Entonnage in french) is the art of transferring wine from vats to barrels, a gesture that marks the beginning of the ageing process. This technique has evolved, adapting to the needs of each era while preserving its traditional foundations.
The origins go back to ancient times. Initially, Roman winegrowers were already using amphorae, which they filled using earthenware containers, a relatively crude method for wine. In the Middle Ages, with the advent of wooden barrels, winemakers developed more elaborate techniques, using wooden funnels and buckets to transfer the wine.
The industrial revolution marked a turning point with the introduction of mechanical pumps in the 19th century. Although this innovation speeded up the process, winemakers soon realised that mechanical pumping could be traumatic for the wine, causing excessive oxidation and disrupting its molecular structure.
That's why Château de la Gardine has gone back to a gentle method that preserves the wine: gravity-filling.
The gravity advantage
This technique has considerable advantages for the quality of the wine. By allowing the wine to flow gently under its own weight, turbulence and mechanical shocks are avoided, which can fragment tannin chains and disrupt aromatic compounds. Gravity also limits the incorporation of oxygen, preserving the freshness and purity of the aromas.
This more respectful approach to wine is part of a philosophy of minimal intervention, where every manipulation is designed to preserve the integrity and complexity of the wine, from the grapes right through to bottling.
- Preservation of quality : The use of gravity minimises rough handling of the wine, preserving its delicate structure.
- Reduced mechanical stress : By avoiding the use of pumps, we reduce the risk of oxidation and disruption of the wine's aromatic compounds.
- Respecting the integrity of the wine : The gravity method treats the wine gently, preserving its organoleptic qualities.
- Natural approach : This technique is part of a low-intervention winemaking approach that respects the natural character of the wine.
The adoption of gravity-filling reflects a return to traditional methods, combined with a modern understanding of the fragility of wine. This approach, although more demanding in terms of infrastructure and time, is seen as beneficial to the final quality of the wine, illustrating the ongoing commitment of the winemakers to perfecting their art while respecting the age-old traditions of winemaking.
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What are the key stages in the barreling process at Château de la Gardine?
At Château de la Gardine, barreling follows a precise and meticulous protocol. As soon as malolactic fermentation is complete, generally between mid-November and early December, the wine is ready for barreling. This process begins with the careful preparation of the barrels. New barrels are rehydrated and checked for leaks, while old barrels are steam sterilised. The wine is then transferred by gravity, without mechanical pumping, to minimise disruption.
As Jérôme Tilli points out: ‘We don't want the barrels to stay dry, because a barrel that stays dry for a long time can be damaged and leak. The idea is to be able to refill them as quickly as possible after racking the previous wines.’ The estate's team keeps a close eye on each stage, ensuring that the wine flows smoothly, ready to begin its long stay in barrel.
Here are the key stages in the entonnage process:
- Selection of containers : We choose to work with different cooperages depending on the characteristics of each plot and grape variety. In particular, we work with Vicard, Demptos, Chassin, Billon et Stockinger and Damy.
- Filling : The wine is transferred to the barrels. For our Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites in particular, we use Intégrale vinification, which allows the harvest to be poured directly into the barrels.
- Marking : Each barrel is scrupulously marked to follow the evolution of the wine.
- Control: The barrels are tasted regularly, often every month, to monitor the development of the wine.
- Adjustments : Depending on requirements, operations such as bâtonnage (stirring the lees back into suspension) can be carried out during ageing, particularly for our white Châteauneuf-du-Pape (as for the Tradition or Générations Marie-Léoncie wines).
Putting the wine in barrels marks the start of the ageing process, which can last from 12 to 18 months, depending on the vintage. This is a crucial stage, as it has a direct influence on the final quality of the wine, allowing the aromas of the wood to develop harmoniously and the wine to evolve in a controlled manner.
What impact barreling has on the wine ?
Putting the wine in barrels has a profound influence on the bouquet, texture and final quality of the wine. Thanks to the natural micro-oxygenation provided by the wood, the aromas develop, the tannins soften and the wine gains in complexity. ‘It's like a ballet,’ confides the cellar master. ’Each barrel is chosen to enhance the wine, not to dominate it.
This attention to detail produces refined wines.
How does Château de la Gardine combine tradition and innovation?
While preserving its traditions, Château de la Gardine is not hesitating to incorporate other containers for maturing the wines, such as amphorae and demi-muids (600L), for new trials on the 2024 vintage.
For wine lovers and enthusiasts, understanding this process means they can better appreciate the subtlety and complexity of the resulting wines. A visit to the estate gives you the chance to discover this unique know-how at first hand, while tasting the fruits of this method.
Don't hesitate to book a visit/tasting at Château de la Gardine, we look forward to welcoming you !
