Virginie de Valandraud 2024

The structure and tension of a white wine by Thunevin

The estate

Château Valandraud, founded in 1989 by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, is located in the Fongaban valley in Saint-Émilion. Originally a bold project on 0.6 hectare, it distinguished itself by being part of the garage wine movement, advocating innovative methods and limited production. Classified Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2012, the estate is recognized for its innovative practices and the finesse of its wines.

The vineyard

La Virginie de Valandraud is a dry white Bordeaux wine from vines planted on clay-limestone and siliceous-gravel soils. The vines are on average 15 years old. The vineyard area harvested for this wine, produced since 2000, totals 3 hectares.

The vintage
The 2024 vintage was characterized by contrasting climatic conditions that required particular attention in vineyard management. A mild and very rainy winter was followed by an equally wet spring, causing significant mildew pressure. The alternation of rain and sunny days during the summer delayed berry ripening.

Winemaking and aging
Manual harvest in three passes. Cold storage in a cold room before pressing. Fermentation in tanks then barrels. Malolactic fermentation on one-third of the Sémillon. Aged 6 to 8 months in barrels (70%) and concrete tanks (30%).

Blend

Sauvignon Blanc (60%) and Sémillon (40%)