The year 2023 marks the achievement of several years of work and thoughtful planning. This year, we had the opportunity to harvest and vinify for the first time in our new raw earth winery.
The 2023 vintage is characterized by generally high temperatures with moderate humidity, interspersed with some cold periods. The season began with a warm cycle accompanied by light rainfall, particularly at the end of June, requiring the team’s consistent presence for green work and vineyard protection against diseases. These efforts have resulted in a promising vintage, noted for its elegance, smoothness, and remarkable finesse.
This new vintage is composed of 71.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, benefiting from precise plot selection thanks to our 70 truncated conical tanks, which can hold between 50 and 120 hl. Precision is and will remain the watchword for this vintage. As our technical team continues blending, they discover a wine with great aromatic depth, featuring an enticing and savory nose. The dense and rich color leaves a lasting impression on both the wine and the minds. The captivating aromas of red fruits and their complexity engage the senses, while the palate, taut and generous, reveals a delightful opulence.
Brio de Cantenac Brown is aged in large wooden vats, equivalent to 30% new barrels, which allows it to retain all its freshness and indulgence. Composed of 53% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, it is luscious, fruity, and charming. Subject to plot selection before harvesting, our two red wines complement each other perfectly.
As for Alto, composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, it reveals itself to be mineral, suave, and vibrant with a delicate and complex nose, featuring floral fragrances. Alto 2023 is both smooth and lively, with an elegant palate marked by a mineral framework.
This is a preview of the 2023 vintage. It will forever be etched in our history and symbolizes the beginning of a new era for Château Cantenac Brown.