The Story
This Méal hillside has a similar soil composition to De l'Orée vineyard, littered with large pebbles that help to catch the sun's warmth (see Le Méal red). The vine age, in excess of 50 years, has again resulted in very low yields. The tasting note for Le Méal is similar in some respects to De l'Orée but with a touch more weight, structure and greater perfume.
Grape variety
Marsanne from more than 50 year old vines producing low yields that insures high quality.
Soil
The grapes producing « Le Méal » come from the Méal hillside. Its soil is made up of very old river alluvions from the glacial era and a lot of pebbles that help to catch the sun's warmth.
Harvesting
The grapes are hand-harvested at full maturity.
Vinification
After pressing the entire grapes, the must is cold-racked for 24 hours. About 50 % is vinified in new casks, the rest ferments in vats.
Maturing
Before bottling, the maturing in casks is checked by frequent tastings. Organoleptic tests are carried out to determine how long it should remain in casks and the bottling date.
Matching food
Seafood (crayfish & lobster). White meat and creamy sauce. Curry and spicy dishes. Goat's cheese, blue cheese.