The rise of Château Moulin Riche
The return to independence of this exceptional Saint-Julien
The history of the Moulin Riche plots begins in the 19th century with the clearing of the heathland located behind the appellation.Saint-Julien AOCAt the beginning of the 20th century, theCuvelier familyacquires Château Moulin Riche and Château Léoville Poyferré, both located in the commune of Saint-Julien in the Médoc. Both brands enjoy considerable success and in1932,Château Moulin Richeis elevated to the rank ofCru Bourgeois ExceptionnelIt was then the only wine of the appellation to receive this distinction. The Cuvelier family then decided to make Moulin Riche the second wine of Château Léoville Poyferré. The 2009 vintage marked the return of Moulin Riche as an independent château. Indeed, while Château Moulin Riche has always been conceived as aChâteau Léoville Poyferréand benefits from the same care as the latter's Grand Vin, it has its own plots of vines and its own personality.Didier Cuvelierproduces 80,000 bottles of this Cru Bourgeois each year with the help of the oenologistIsabelle Davinand the cellar masterDidier Thomann.
The plots of land belonging to Château Moulin Riche
Vines quite distinct from those of Château Léoville Poyferré
Château Moulin Richeis made from 20 hectares of contiguous vines from the same vineyard as Château Léoville Poyferré, but whosetheir characteristics are quite distinctFirst, the soil on which the Château Moulin Riche vines grow has its own unique composition. The plots benefit from a terroir of Garonne gravel and aeolian sands, providing ideal conditions for the flourishing of the four grape varieties cultivated: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. For the region, Petit Verdot represents a significant portion of the blend. Cultivation is carried out sustainably and according to Médoc tradition. The vineyard manager,Bruno ClenetHe meticulously tends each vine. The year is punctuated by numerous tasks such as pruning, training, and bending, followed by green work starting in May. Finally, the harvest date is set after the team members taste the grapes.
Château Moulin Riche
A great wine from Saint-Julien
Located in the Médoc region on the Left Bank, in the Gironde department, between the Pauillac and Margaux appellations, the appellationSaint-Julienconsists of 910 hectares ofmagnificent terroirsIt is also the smallest appellation in the Médoc.Château Moulin RicheIt represents it worthily with a high quality widely recognized since 1932.
The grapes from the Moulin Riche vineyards are harvested by hand and sorted twice. Vinified in vats for 21 days and aged in 65% to 75% new oak barrels at Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Moulin Riche offers a beautiful volume on the palate and generous aromas of red and black fruits.powerful and balancedThis wine reveals a broad aromatic bouquet that finishes with spicy notes and beautifully crafted, subtly integrated tannins. Château Moulin Riche has agood storage potentialand was ennobled with grace after5 to 15 years in the cellarThe estate also produces a second wine from its younger vines: M de Moulin Riche. This cuvée is more approachable and offers immediate tasting pleasure.
