CHÂTEAU FALFAS, France

The handsome estate hails from the 14th century, belonging to the Lords of the Lansac, an ancient nobility swearing allegiance to the English crown at a time when the wines were exported to the court of the Edwards. Eventually in the 17th century, the property passed to the family of the President of the Parliament of Guyenne, Gaillard de Falfas, who restored the château and gave it its name. One of the first estates to practice organic and biodynamic methods, the current custodians, Véronique and John Cochran, are building on the traditions of the past with a simple philosophy, "The best wines are not made, but rather grown".

Viticulture

Focussed on the noble Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varieties as well as Cot, these vines are deeply rooted in gravel, clay and limestone, 700 years of vines on the plots is testimony to the suitability and quality of the site. The temperate climate of the Gironde estuary when at it's ideal, offers the vines and it's fruit the opportunity to reach perfect maturity. As is tradition in the greatest of vineyards, yields are limited and the selection of harvested grapes is rigorous.

Winemaking

Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged for 11-14 months in barrel, 1/3 of which is new oak.