Cos d'Estournel

Cos d'Estournel is Second Cru Classé de Saint-Estèphe, which is located in the northern area of the Médoc. The name Cos comes from an expression in the ancient language of Gascogne, meaning hill of pebbles, and perfectly describes the characteristics of the terroir. The central area of the vineyard is on a plateau of deep gravels, from which two slopes slope, one facing south and the other east, on land consisting of clays mixed with gravel. A deep clay vein runs through the domaine's subsoil, providing a natural water supply. A careful study of the land, has made it possible to get to know the peculiarities of each individual parcel and to manage the estate with extreme care and meticulous attention to detail, while fully respecting the surrounding environment.

Following the pedoclimatic vocation of the estate, Merlot was planted with eastern exposure, cooler and on clay-limestone soils. In contrast, Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in the highest part of the hill, on very well-drained pebbly soils and in a sunnier and warmer position, which allows the grapes to ripen fully. Thanks to these choices, each grape variety can express itself in the most suitable terroir and reach the highest level of expression, with rich and elegant aromas. Each individual parcel is carefully followed through the ripening process of the grapes, right up to the moment of harvest. The area enjoys, in addition, a particularly favorable climate. Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost Appellation of the Mèdoc and is located on the border of the Gironde estuary and a few kilometers from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

The influence of the maritime climate is most pronounced in this area. Ocean breezes mitigate temperatures by preventing excessive temperature swings. Vines suffer less from summer heat and are sheltered from the risk of spring frosts. Grapes ripen slowly, arriving at harvest healthy and with intense aromatic kits. The estate covers about 100 hectares, 2/3 of which are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and the remaining third with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The average age of the vines is cica 45 years, but within the domain there are also precious 80-100 years-old vines, a true heritage to be protected with loving care. It is precisely these old vines, which give the wines the structure, depth and complexity that make them unique. It is no accident that the domaine's first wine is made only from grapes from vines over 55 years old.