 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The vineyards of Château Léognan nestle in the heart of a pastoral estate, teeming with wildlife and protected from the Atlantic by pinewood forests.
 |
Today’s vineyard plantings date from 1989, with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, and high vine densities of 10,000 vines per hectare. Prior to the acquisition of the estate by Philippe and Chantal MIECAZE in 2006, the vines had been cultivated by the neighbouring estate for its first wine, Domaine de Chevalier, Classified Grand Cru of Graves. The human touch is everywhere. The vineyards require constant care, in all weathers, and meticulous double Guyot pruning is undertaken late, in order to reduce frost risk. Soil analysis (and tasting) reveals six different soil types, and so these six parcels are cultivated accordingly, with the grapes from each vinified separately. Concern for the preservation of nature and the environment lies at the heart of the viticultural and winemaking ethos.
|
|
All efforts are dedicated to the great moment of the year, when autumn heralds the ripening grapes, fruit of the earth and of the sun. Green harvesting is handled with a light touch so the vines don’t learn to compensate with higher yields, and leaves are carefully thinned out as the ripening progresses. |
 |
 |