The art of Winemaking

The faces of Reignac

 

Behind every bottle are passionate women and men, deeply attached to their terroir. Their knowledge of the estate, their experience and their daily commitment contribute to the reputation of Château de REIGNAC and to the recognised quality of its wines.

A close-knit team, united by a passion for wine, in which everyone, through their expertise and sensitivity, contributes to the soul of REIGNAC.

In step with nature

 

Protecting soil life, preserving biodiversity and passing on an unspoilt terroir to future generations, this is the deep conviction that has guided every decision at Château de Reignac since 1990.

Since 2010, the use of all herbicides has been abandoned in favour of mechanical weeding between rows. This decision protects the mycelial network that is essential for nutrient absorption and the vitality of the vines.

Preserving natural balances

 

With the help of Mr Cousinié, we have set up a precise nutrition programme, designed to meet the specific needs of each plot. Regular analyses of the leaves, berries, soil and subsoil, carried out at key moments in the vine’s cycle, help us to better understand its mineral balance, its photosynthetic activity and its ability to absorb essential nutrients.

This approach promotes the quality of the harvest, strengthens the vines’ natural resistance to pests and contributes to the longevity of the vineyard. In particular, it has enabled us to strengthen natural defences against botrytis and to abandon the pesticides once used against this fungus.

Sustainable viticulture

 

The property is certified High Environmental Value level 4 (HVE), a certification attesting to environmentally friendly farming practices that preserve ecosystems and limit environmental impacts (soil, water, biodiversity…).

 

 

Harvest time

 

The harvest is guided by the search for the right balance between ripeness, freshness and precision. Each plot is picked at the ideal moment to preserve the expression of the fruit.

The grapes are rigorously sorted using densimetric sorting. This technique allows us to separate perfectly ripe grapes from any unwanted material such as leaves, dried berries, green berries and under-ripe berries, using the difference in density between the various elements.

The art of winemaking

GRAND VIN DE REIGNAC

We use traditional winemaking methods for both the Grand Vin de Reignac and the Château de Reignac. The grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks and then cooled using CO₂ to a temperature below 10°C before yeast is added. Next comes alcoholic fermentation and pumping over, a stage during which the temperature in the tanks gradually rises.

We then proceed with post-fermentation maceration. Once these stages are complete, the malolactic fermentation takes place, and we then age the wine in barrels for 12 months for Château de Reignac and 16 months for the Grand Vin de Reignac.

 

REIGNAC BLANC

For Reignac Blanc, our white wine, the entire harvest is pressed, and the juices are chilled in tanks for 24 hours before being racked. They are then transferred to new barrels, concrete eggs, or amphorae for alcoholic fermentation. Stirring on the lees, performed twice a week, continues throughout the 9-month aging period.

The soul of the cellar

BALTHUS

For the BALTHUS cuvée, we first carry out a one-week pre-fermentation chill in inverted truncated-cone tanks. This is followed by the barrel-filling stage, during which a specially designed hatch allows us to fill the barrels with the pomace and must.

The barrels used were patented by Mr. Vatelot and are placed on a system of rotating Oxoline tins, which allow us to extract tannins and color during alcoholic fermentation through rotation, thanks to an internal mechanism attached to the bottom of the barrel.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is aged for 18 months in the same barrels used for fermentation.

Blending, the signature of the wine

 

Blending is undoubtedly one of the most exciting moments in the creation of a great wine. It is the moment when each plot, each grape variety and each terroir finds its place to create a unique harmony. In this most subtle of arts, Michel Rolland will forever remain an immense reference.

A loyal friend, he had that rare eye, that almost instinctive intuition that allowed him to reveal the balance and emotion of a wine. In every blending session, his spirit will continue to guide our thinking and our quest for balance. Beyond the great oenologist, above all we have lost a friend.