Haut Carles, located in the Fronsac appellation in the Right Bank of Bordeaux is one of the older estates in the appellation. The actual Haut Carles chateau dates its creation back to the 1400s when it was used as a fortress. Haut Carles has been in the de Castaing family for several generations as the family purchased the vineyard in 1900. Today, Haut Carles is owned and managed by Stephane Droulers and Constance Chastenet de Castaing.
The Moueix family was in charge of managing the estate and vineyard under a leasing agreement until the late 1980s when the family made the decision to take control of the property. At that point in time, the estate slowly but steadily began increasing the quality of their wines.
The 20-hectare vineyard of Haut Carles is planted to 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. The vineyard has a terroir of clay and limestone soils. The vines here are old, with an average of 35 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare for their newer plantings, which is quite high for the Right Bank, especially in Fronsac. The vineyard is managed using 100% organic farming techniques.
In 2003, Haut Carles underwent a complete restoration of their estate, the vineyards, and wine-making facilities. The new cellars allowed for everything to be moved by gravity flow for the first time.
For the vinification of the wine of Haut Carles, the wine is vinified in a combination of stainless steel, temperature-controlled vats, and 500-litre oak barrels.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. However, a portion of Haut Carles is also micro-vinified, meaning that it was entirely vinified in barrel. The wine is then aged in an average of 70% new, French oak barrels on its lees for 18 months before bottling.
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Sub-Region
Fronsac
Grape
Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot
Producer
Chateau de Carles
Size
750ml
Types
Red Wine
Vintage
2018
