de Cambes
History and Background
Clos de la Vieille Eglise, known as Château de Cambes, is a Bordeaux estate located in the Côtes de Bourg appellation. Established in the 18th century, the estate is renowned for its robust and elegant red wines. Under the guidance of François Mitjavile, Château de Cambes has gained recognition for its meticulous winemaking practices and commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Vineyards and Terroir
Château de Cambes' vineyards are situated in the Côtes de Bourg appellation of Bordeaux, France, covering approximately 14 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are a mix of clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage and mineral content for the vines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Merlot and Cabernet Franc, producing wines that are known for their richness and depth.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: de Cambes's wines are renowned for their layered complexity and finesse, showcasing flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and hints of spice, complemented by aromas of tobacco and cedar. The noticeable use of nan in the blend contributes to the wine's freshness, robust tannins, and its capability to mature gracefully over time.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At de Cambes, the approach to winemaking revolves around a harmonious balance between traditional methods and modern innovation. The winery commits to sustainable and organic practices, emphasizing the importance of a meticulous, hands-on approach to vineyard management. Procedures like hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting are foundational, emphasizing the importance of achieving the highest quality of fruit.
Reputation
Château Roc de Cambes is a highly respected wine producer located in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on the right bank of the Bordeaux region in France. This estate is renowned, particularly for its red wines, which are made predominantly from Merlot, supplemented by Cabernet Franc and, occasionally, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Owned and revitalized by François Mitjavile, who also operates the esteemed Château Tertre Rôteboeuf in Saint-Émilion, Roc de Cambes stands out due to François' expert approach to viticulture and wine-making. His philosophy centers on low yields, meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, and careful vinification processes. This tailored approach ensures that each vintage reflects the unique terroir and climate variances, lending a distinct character to their wines.
The estate's geographical positioning is also a significant contributor to its high standing. The vineyards are notably situated on slopes facing the Gironde estuary, which provides an ideal microclimate that benefits grape maturation with consistent temperatures and ample sunlight.
Due to these factors, Roc de Cambes produces wines that are expressive, with a balance of rich fruit and complexity that has garnered both critical and commercial success. Notably, these wines often outperform others from the broader Bordeaux area in terms of depth, richness, and aging potential, making them a favored choice among wine connoisseurs and collectors.
Final Thoughts
The wine producer de Cambes, renowned for its superb craftsmanship in the renowned Bordeaux region, distinguishes itself with a sharp focus on quality over quantity. Operating under the expert guidance of François Mitjavile, de Cambes consistently produces wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Right Bank, particularly with their flagship Merlot-centric blends. What sets them apart is their meticulous vineyard management and selective harvesting techniques, which ensure that each bottle reflects the depth and complexity of flavors that connoisseurs have come to expect from a top-tier Bordeaux. Notably, de Cambes' commitment to maintaining ecological balance within their vineyards further underscores their dedication to sustainable viticulture, contributing to their celebrated status among Bordeaux producers. Their consistent excellence has not only garnered critical acclaim but also solidified their reputation among wine lovers worldwide.