Château Dalem 2022

A Fronsac wine that entices with its concentration and vivacity

The estate

Located in the commune of Saillans, Château Dalem overlooks the Isle Valley, a short distance from the town of Libourne. A wine-producing property since 1610, the château has belonged to the same family for three centuries. In 1955, Michel Rullier took over the reins of Château Dalem, until 2002, when his daughter Brigitte Rullier Loussert took over. Today, with her son Charles, Brigitte Rullier Loussert continues to work on the development of Château Dalem, which has benefited from the advice of consultant Eric Boissenot since the 2019 vintage.

The vineyard

Château Dalem 2022 is a Fronsac wine that stems from a 20-hectare vineyard. The vines, on average 40 years old, are planted on clay-limestone plains and hills.

The vintage

The year 2022 saw sunny conditions from May onwards, advancing an early flowering. The summer heat limited pressure on the vineyard’s health and hydric stress throughout the growth period, ensuring a gradual and even ripening of the grapes. Despite a significant water deficit and low yields resulting from the high temperatures, the mildness of the late season allowed the harvest of perfectly ripe grapes, revealing complexity, tannic richness, elegance, freshness and a high concentration of sugars.

Winemaking and ageing

Manual harvesting. Rigorous sorting (mechanical, densimetric, manual). Vatting time of 23 days. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged for 18 months in vats (50% new barrels and 50% one wine).

Blend

Château Dalem 2022 is a blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%).