Château Trotte Vieille 2020

An elegant and aromatic Premier Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Émilion

The estate

The origin of the name "Trottevieille" dates back several hundred years. Legend has it that there was once a stagecoach stop near the château. As soon as a team stopped, an elderly lady trotted down to get the news, hence the name “Trotte Vieille” (meaning “the Trot of the Elderly”). This Premier Grand Cru Classe of Saint-Émilion is home to a small parcel of vines rescued from the terrible damage caused by phylloxera during the second half of the 19th century.

The vineyard

Enjoying a superb location in the Saint-Émilion appellation and spread over 10 hectares, the Château Trotte Vieille vineyard has a terroir of reddish soil upon limestone rock.

The vintage

2020 was marked by an early bud break, beginning on March 24. Good weather conditions in early May favoured rapid flowering. The uncertain climatic conditions in May and June led to some concern about vine health. The summer was marked by hot and particularly dry weather. The grapes harvested in September were of high quality and imparted the roundness, richness and elegance characteristic of the greatest vintages. 2020 is in line with 2018 and 2019, two exceptional vintages for the property.

The blend

The Château Trotte Vieille 2020 is made from a blend of Cabernet Franc (50%), Merlot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (1%).

The tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful bright red colour with subtle purplish reflections.

Nose

With a beautiful aromatic intensity, the nose reveals nuances of ripe cherry, fresh plum and raspberry, which blend harmoniously with an elegant floral touch imparted by Cabernet Franc.

Palate

The palate seduces with its radiance as well as with its juicy and sappy texture. With a good length, the palate ideally expresses the specificities of the clay-limestone terroir of the appellation.