May 13, 2019
The Aubert family has lived in Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux since 1750 and has a long and successful history as producers of some of Bordeaux’s finest wines. Alaine and Bernadette Aubert own over 600 acres of vineyard property, making them one of the largest family producers on the Right Bank.
They run the estate with the help of their three daughters Cécile, Amélie and Héloise, with Amélie the 7th generation of the family to take over the reins of the family’s winemaking responsibilities. The estate centers around the old family home of Château de Ribebon, a magnificent 18th century building that was once a hunting lodge for King Louis XIV, beautifully preserved, on a terrace overlooking the Dordogne River.
Thanks to Serge Doré Selections for making this show happen!
Chateaux list: (you can get these at www.winelibrary.com please call them to special order these wines except the Cab Franc!)
- Château Macard (Bordeaux Superieur)
- Château de Ribebon Reserve (Bordeaux Superieur Cabernet Franc)
- Château Hyot (Côtes de Bordeaux -- Castillon)
- Château Haut-Gravet (St-Émilion Grand Cru 'Grand Chemin')
- Château Abelyce (St-Émilion Grand Cru)
Here are the topics we cover:
- We talk about Amélie's family history in Bordeaux and how her mom and dad both came from winemaking families
- Amélie discusses her love of the wine business and her passion for tradition, as she got started with her grandfather in the business
- We talk about the Right Bank -- the grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon), the land, the climate/vintage variation, the culture etc and how it is different from the Left Bank
- Amélie discusses the complication of the classification systems in St. Émilion -- the Grands Crus Classés and the controversy around the classification (Château Abelyce and Haut-Gravet are both classified chateaux)
- We discuss the land and how terroir is so important to quality in Bordeaux. We cover the differences between the limestone plateau that Ch. de Ribebon sits on versus the clay and gravel of the Right Bank
- Amélie shares why the Côtes de Bordeaux are exciting to seek out (Château Hyot is from Côtes de Bordeaux -- Castillon)
- We talk about Bordeaux Superieur and the keys to getting a good one
- Amélie shares the purpose of oak barrels for her (and how it is not considered a flavor component - totally different from New World ideas!)
- We discuss the great benefits of having a strict appellation system and how it helps Amélie make the best wine she can
- Finally, Amélie shares how environmental concerns will likely change how some things are done in Bordeaux, but not the style of the wine
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