SunsetCastillon2007.jpgThe harvest at Château Goubau was a great experience for a wine buff like me. It's hard work (we've been at it until 22.30h 2 days in a row), but very satisfying. With a team of 13 people we harvested 10 hectares (25 acres) in 3 (long) days. The Cabernet Sauvignon didn't reach its peak yet, so we only did Merlot. As Côtes de Castillon is near Saint-Emilion, it is typical to use over 70% of the Merlot varietal. The remainder can be Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and/or Malbec. Most of the grape harvesting is done by a big machine (see picture above-right). I was given the unique opportunity to stand on top of it, while the giant was doing it's thing: Vibrating the trunk of each vine to collect the grapes. Very impressive.
I took over 400 pictures. Here's a link to my favorites.
Here's all of them: Days before, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.
During day 3 we had the luxury of visiting a neighboring 'château' de Pressac. The owner Mr. Quenin gave us a very interesting tour of the estate. His Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2002 (and second wine 2005) we tasted were both very impressive. Later we strolled through the medieval Saint-Emilion, one of the most beautiful wine-villages of Bordeaux.
Put it in your itinerary next time you're in the south of France.

SunsetCastillon2007.jpg
Misty sunrise in Bordeaux

Category:  Wine  | TechnoratiTechnorati: