Wines

One of the jewels in the crown of the Yvon Mau estates for over 100 years has been Chateau Ducla. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Entre-Deux-Mers appellation, the estate consists of 222 acres of vines, producing Estate Bottled red, white and rose wines. This vast rolling area has long held a reputation for producing soft, easy-drinking, merlot based reds, as well as delicate, full-fruit Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon based whites. It is here that winemaker Florence Forgas, working closely with proprietor Jean-Pierre Mau, endeavors to improve and perfect the style of the wines through an intense and exhaustive program of experimentation, and strict quality control. This diligent focus on quality has earned the estate the prestigious ISO 9001 certification, the first ever in the wine industry. This is the highest certification awarded by the prestigious international Standards Organization. Selection is also a key ingredient in the quality story of Chateau Ducla. Capable of producing 52,000 cases of wine in any given year, the winemaker and proprietor select only the finest lots of grapes from their vineyards, to create the wine that will be called Chateau Ducla. Current production is 36,000 cases.

Tasting Notes

A beautiful brilliant colour with intense purple tints.

Bouquet: Chateau Ducla reveals a large palette of aromas with red fruit, toast and spicy hints. These riches are matched on the palate by a powerful, well-balanced structure.

Palate: Rounded and full in the attack leading into nice flesh and a very velvety tannic presence. Nice balance. The wood blends in harmoniously. A hint of vanilla and a pleasant aftertaste of cherry and blackcurrant. Can be enjoyed right away or over the next 6 years.

Wine Making

Traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration with pumping over twice a day, vatting for at least a fortnight at controlled temperatures. Traditional maturing in vats on the fine lees. Vinified with the advice and under the supervision of the Dean of the Oenology Faculty of Bordeaux, Mr. Yves Glories.

Acclaim

Best Bordeaux Buys under $25
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine - June 2007

Food Affinities

Serve with escalopes, roast meat and a wide range of cheeses.

Blend

50% Merlot
25% Cabernet Sauvignon
25% Cabernet Franc