Wine: Chateau Le Virou Le Carillon Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux Red

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Appellation: Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux

Brand/Producer: Pierre Jean Larraque

Grape Varietal: 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon & 15% Cabernet Franc

ABV: 14%

Type: Red

Code: 2984

Tasting Note

Fruity nose leads on to a mellow fruit dominated palate being mostly Merlot influenced with smooth forest fruits. Tannic notes are well balanced with the fruit and linger on in the finish with toasted brioche touches

Producer

The history of Chateau Le Virou begins in the 17th century, at which time the estate was one of the two great centres of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Called “Saint Désert du Virou”, this place of worship and prayer welcomes monks from all over France to meditate in the greatest silence. For almost two centuries, these monks built the monastery and developed numerous underground passages which linked Le Virou to strategic points in the region.

In 1991, Pierre Jean Larraqué became the owner of the premises, ensuring its maintenance and marketing the wines. Passionate about the history and exceptional heritage of his property, in 2013 he developed a rehabilitation plan for the Virou buildings. From then on, aging and winemaking cellars were installed in the chapel and underground. Pierre Jean Larraqué continues to bring the Virou heritage to life through his various wines. Four centuries after its creation, Virou continues to write its history in viticulture and the art of winemaking.

Winemaking

Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux is on the Right Bank, north of the city or Bordeaux and just across the Gironde from Medoc. This wine is a Merlot blend, very similar to that of Saint-Emilion with the advantage that being more north than Saint-Emilion, Blaye has slightly cooler temperatures with the added benefit of being on the estuary. Winemaking is traditional in thermos regulated concrete tanks with 12 months in oak barrels.

Fun Fact

Dating back to the 17th century, the Château Le Virou estate now measures more than 100 hectares, making it the largest walled wine estate in Europe. 

Food pairing

A wine to enjoy with hearty stews and casseroles, roast lamb and game as well as strong cheeses

Awards & Accolades

3.9 Vivino

Since 2017, Château Le Virou has been certified High Environmental Value, the highest environmental certification carried by the French state.