Varietal mix 91% Chardonnay
9% Chenin

Maturing 225L barrels, 26% new oak

Tasting notes

La Capitelle de Baronarques white 2024 is the first vintage to include Chenin Blanc, and although only a tiny proportion of the blend, it brings a tautness that complements the white peach and white blossom aromas and flavours typical of Chardonnay. Highly expressive, the wine offers honeyed acacia blossom touches along with exotic, spicy and subtly aniseed notes. A slightly acidulated aspect balances the freshness that comes from Chenin, backed up by a hint of salinity.

A mild winter with little rainfall caused the 2024 vine growth cycle to start early, especially for the Chardonnay (budbreak on 18 March), followed by Chenin Blanc. Budbreak for the red-grape varieties occurred slightly later, between 25 March and 2 April, due to a fall in temperatures. This was followed by an extended flowering period, from 15 May to 7 June, as hot, dry weather alternated with cooler, rainy spells. Temperatures continued to fluctuate throughout the summer, accompanied by a slight water deficit. Under these conditions, veraison took place later than in recent vintages and was very spread out over time between white-grape and red-grape plots, lasting from 22 July to 26 August. Fine weather set in for the white-grape harvest, which started on 30 August and ended on 11 September. Picking of the red varieties started 13 days later with the Merlot plots followed by the Syrah, ending on 11 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes, picked in perfect condition and fully ripe, reveal beautiful balance, with fruit and spice aromas and flavours and good structure.