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Discover the different grape varieties and their characteristics  

The grape variety is the term used to distinguish the different varieties of vines. This is the main source of the primary characteristics of a wine, whether in terms of its taste, its content of acids, tannins and alcohol, or its appearance and aromas. Each grape variety brings a different flavor to the wine once the winemaking process is done. The grape varieties are mainly distinguished in two ways, white grapes and red grapes but also according to size, leaves, seeds, etc.

At Château Beaurang, the planted grape varieties are 60% of Merlot, 30% of cabernet franc and finally 10% of cabernet sauvignon. The average age of the Beaurang vineyard is more than fifty-five years and the blendings of these different grape varieties give wines more balanced, more harmonious and of greater aromatic complexity. The predominance of the merlot variety gives a lot of roundness to the wines. It is nevertheless necessary to have a supplement of cabernet franc and/or cabernet sauvignon to obtain more liveliness and length.

 

 

The different grape varieties in our vineyard

Red grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc, a typical Bordeaux wine grape variety, is present in all three of our wines and mainly in our Joseph d'Aragon. It is one of the oldest varieties known in the Gironde, notably for its red colour and fruity aroma. It expresses well on sandy and clay soils, and is the cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most aromatic of the three main grape varieties in the Bordeaux region. It produces aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant and liquorice. Full-bodied and tannic, it matures more slowly than the other grape varieties. It is a perfect match for lamb and goat's cheese. The blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a bouquet full of complexity and flavour.

 
Red grape variety

Merlot

Merlot, present at 60% in our vineyard of Château Beaurang, is a cross between the black Magdeleine and the Cabernet franc. Its name was given to it because of the plumage of the blackbird in comparison to the color of the berries. This variety dates from the 18th century and is indisputably the most representative grape variety of Bordeaux wines. Merlot produces colourful, supple and round wines with a velvety and silky texture. It is characterized mainly by red fruit aromas with floral nuances, ample and tender on the palate. Merlot is also marked by delicate tannins.

 

 
Red grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, found only in our Château Beaurang, is a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. He is nicknamed "bouchet" in Saint-Emilion. This grape variety, discovered in France in the 17th century, is known for its aromatic wines strong in acidity and freshness. Widely used in the vineyards of the Gironde, it is more resistant to diseases thanks to its firm flesh. The grape bunches and berries are smaller. Experts can discern the cabernet sauvignon by tasting it thanks to the consistency of the skin and the taste of the berries. It gives bunches with tight small berries which at perfect maturity brings aromatic complexity to the assembly.

 

Other grape varieties to know: 

Red grape variety

Petit Verdot

Very common in the Medoc, it can also be found in a Saint-Emilion as «accessory grape variety» or in small quantities in the final blending. A grape variety with a unequal yield, it is again trendy in Bordeaux because, being a late variety, it would be adapted to the climate change that we are currently experiencing. This is also where it gets its name, "verdot" would come from "vert" ("green, acid") because it is difficult to reach its optimal maturity.

 
Red grape variety

Malbec

This grape variety from Charentes can be found in small quantities in a Saint-Emilion blendings. It is then defined as an "accessory grape variety". It would be the cross between the magdeleine of the Charentes and the black prunelard. This grape variety makes well colored and fragrant and tannic wines that are suitable for ageing. It reveals aromas of spices, redcurrant and plum.

 

Red grape variety

Carignan

With Spanish origin, Carignan has large, compact bunches and is grown mainly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Its wines are distinguished by spicy and fruity notes and give off aromas of prune, blackberry and black cherry.

Red grape variety

Pinot noir

Pinot Noir is a very old grape variety, the origin of many other grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Aligoté, or Gamay. The Pinot Noir grape variety is distinguished by its small bunches and its intense dark purple colour with bluish-black reflections, which makes it very recognisable. Today it is grown mainly in Burgundy. With its bright ruby colour, pinot noir has a light taste with aromas ranging from red fruits to spicy notes of pepper and black cherry.

Red grape variety

Grenache

Grenache is a great Mediterranean grape variety, it is widespread in its native land, Spain and more precisely in Aragon, such as our family, but is also found in France, more precisely in Provence, and in Languedoc-Roussillon. Its very full bunches produce a very sweet and highly alcoholic berry juice, with aromas that range from fruity (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry) to spicy (tobacco, cocoa, coffee)

Red grape variety

Syrah

This variety is mainly grown in the Côtes-du-Rhône and in the South of France. It is a very fragile grape variety that is not very resistant to disease and fears drought. Its bunches of normal size and bluish-black colour make it possible to colour its wines in a very intense way.  We find during the tasting some aromas of liquorice, pepper and violet.

Red grape variety

Gamay

This variety is very old and very productive. A descendant of pinot noir, it is mainly harvested in Bourgogne and Beaujolais. Its juicy berries are of medium size and bluish black in colour. The bunches are compact and the grapes are oval. This variety gives off aromas of red and black fruits which produce a fresh and tasty wine.

Red grape variety

Cinsault

Originally from Provence, Cinsault is only used in the winemaking process. This is due to the unpleasant taste of the berries, although they have a generous size and a firm flesh. Dark blue in colour, they give a small quantity alcohol and tannin to the wine, which is why Cinsault is ideal to produce rosé wines. This grape variety has a wide range of aromas with hints of hazelnut, almond and raspberry.

White grape variety

Ugni blanc

Originally from Italy, it is now cultivated in Provence, Languedoc, Cognac and Corsica. The bunches of this grape variety are long and among the most popular in France. It is very rarely used alone and is often blended with other grape varieties. Not very rich in aromas, it gives the wine a dry and nervous side, with some acidity that gives a light citrus taste to the white wine.

White grape variety

Chardonnay

Very widespread and known worldwide, this grape variety from Bourgogne adapts to all the terroirs. Its small, elongated and airy golden bunches give to the wine a pretty golden colour. Its aromas of toasted almond, brioche and some citrus notes have contributed to its worldwide fame.

White grape variety

Sauvignon blanc

A great white grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley and the Graves and Sauternes regions of Bordeaux. Often described as one of the best French grape varieties for white wine, it has gained worldwide recognition, particularly in New Zealand. Its bunches are compact, coupled with a thick skin and a golden yellow colour. Sauvignon Blanc brings floral aromas such as jasmine, boxwood, and citrus notes like lemon and grapefruit.

White grape variety

Sémillon

Originally from Bordeaux, this emblematic grape variety of sweet wines is grown mainly in Sauternes. Recognised worldwide in Australia, California and South Africa, the grapes are medium-sized, round and thin-skinned. The berries give exotic aromas such as pineapple and acacia flowers. The Semillon brings a rich structure and roundness to the wine.

White grape variety

Chenin blanc

A very old grape variety dating from the 6th century, originating from the Anjou region. Located today in the Loire Valley, this variety is widely used for dry and sweet wines. Its yellow-green berries with crunchy flesh are compact and resistant to disease. They give aromas of citrus and flowers, resulting in wines with good acidity and ageing potential.

White grape variety

Melon de Bourgogne

Originally from Bourgogne, it is often referred to as the Muscadet of the Loire Valley. Burgundy melon refers to the melon because of the shape of its very rounded leaves. The berries are small and compact and lemon yellow. This grape variety adds lemon and apple aromas to the wine, with a few notes of honey to enhance the whole.

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