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Château Chasse-Spleen

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Located at the highest point of the Grand-Poujeaux hills, on magnificent gravelly soils, Hunting Spleen benefits from an exceptional terroir. Halfway between Margaux and Saint-Julien, the 80-hectare vineyard consists of four plots of quaternary gravel and has an average age of 30 years. This historic estate has now become one of the jewels in the crown of Médoc by name Moulis under the leadership of its owner, Mrs. Castaing.

It is said that Lord Byron, a great wine lover, declared in the 1820s that "This wine is unmatched in chasing away dark thoughts! " From there, it's only a short step to chasing away melancholy! Located in the heart of the Médoc, in the Moulis appellation, Château Chasse Spleen reigns over nearly 90 hectares of vines, 73% of which are Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Château Chasse Spleen produces full-bodied, rich and powerful wines. Notes of cocoa and oak blend perfectly with aromas of red fruits and blackcurrant, supported by elegant tannins. The estate also produces two second wines: L'Oratoire de Chasse Spleen and L'Héritage de Chasse Spleen.

Chasse Spleen wines are produced from vineyards in the Médoc region. They are red Bordeaux wines (with the Moulis appellation d'origine contrôlée) or white wines. It should be noted that these wines are produced using sustainable and organic farming methods. Many Château Chasse Spleen vintages receive high ratings from leading wine institutions such as Vinous, Robert Parker, the Guide Revue des Vins de France, and James Suckling.

Chasse Spleen wine was first classified in 1932, since, as a side note, Mrs. Castaing (heir to half of the original estate) named her estate Château Chasse Spleen in 1863. Eight years too late to participate in the 1855 wine classification. Since 1976, the estate has belonged to the Merlaut family and is now run by the third generation.

Their terroir and the different grape varieties

The vineyard is located on the slopes of Grand-Poujeaux. There, Chasse Spleen wines benefit from a mixed terroir, with soils composed of clay, limestone, and Garonne gravel, which is typical of the region. The proximity to the Garonne River is a real asset in terms of water supply. This allows the grape varieties needed for blending these wines to flourish. These include Petit Verdot and Sémillon for white wine, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

In addition to Château Chasse Spleen, the estate produces two other wines: Héritage de Chasse Spleen and Oratoire de Chasse Spleen.

Time for tasting

Chasse Spleen wines have a dense red color for the reds and a pale yellow color for the whites. Chasse Spleen wines are very fragrant on the nose. The reds have pronounced aromas of red fruits, curry, and toast. The whites, on the other hand, have more vegetal aromas such as peach and boxwood. On the palate, Chasse Spleen red has fresh, characterful aromas: it is a marriage of fruit and spice. Its white counterpart has notes of verbena and orange blossom.

Food and wine pairings

Chasse Spleen wines are perfect for your holiday tables and Sunday lunches. They pair well with many dishes. Chasse Spleen white wine is no exception to the rule of traditional gastronomy, being served with fish and other seafood. It is the perfect accompaniment to a platter of oysters or grilled shad. It also goes wonderfully with cheese, especially when served with brocciu, a Corsican cheese.

Chasse Spleen red wine pairs well with pork or poultry dishes, such as traditional turkey fillets. It can also be paired with rabbit stew or leek quiche.

More information on the website of Chasse-Spleen

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