Couvent des Jacobins 2019

The complexity and freshness of a great Red wine of Saint-Émilion

The estate
It is within a true jewel box, hidden from view but in the heart of Saint-Émilion that the Couvent des Jacobins is revealed. A true memory of the small medieval town, the Couvent des Jacobins was built in the 13th century. The estate has been renowned for its wine production for nearly seven centuries. Since 2010, Xavier Jean has been at the helm of the estate, thus perpetuating the history of this emblematic property of the appellation.

The vineyard
The vineyard of the Couvent des Jacobins spans four different soil types: limestone bedrock located to the east of Saint-Émilion, clay-sandy soils on calcareous molasses of the Fronsadais (southwest), clay-sandy soils on iron crust subsoils (southwest) and clay-limestone (on the northeast plateau of the village). 2019 thus marks the final year of the estate's conversion to organic farming with the use of complementary biodynamic preparations.

The vintage
After the frosts of the 2017 vintage and the heavy mildew pressure of 2018, 2019 proved to be a more serene vintage than the previous years. Within the vineyard of Couvent des Jacobins, the milder weather of 2019 gave rise to an outstanding '9' vintage. Harvesting thus began on September 19, a week earlier than in 2018, and continued over three weeks, until October 9. The grape varieties included in the Blend of the 2019 Couvent des Jacobins displayed beautiful aromatic richness, complexity and a dense texture. In order to preserve the freshness and balance of the fruit, the extractions were carried out gently. The 2019 vintage of Couvent des Jacobins was vinified without sulfur, just like the 2017 and 2018 vintages.

Winemaking
100% gravity-fed vinification, without sulfur until the end of malolactic fermentation or barrel filling. Pre-fermentation macerations of 2–5 days at 8–12°C. Total macerations of 25 to 32 days. Integral vinification of the Petits Verdots with manual punch-downs.

Blend
Merlot (85%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (5%).

Characteristics and Tasting Advice for the Couvent des Jacobins 2019

Tasting
This 2019 impresses with the freshness and aromatic expression of the grape varieties. Power and complexity are on the agenda while maintaining great balance. According to the estate, this great '9' vintage is close to the superb 2016 vintage.