Chateau Bel-Air-Ouy (By Thunevin)

Following the purchase of Château Bel Air Ouÿ in the hallowed AOC of St. Emilion, Jean-Luc Thunevin vinified the first vintage in 1999. The vineyard is located on a great clay-limestone terroir next to Fleur Cardinale Grand Cru Saint-Emilion. The vines are carefully driven by Murielle and her team, exactly the same way as Thunevin's breakout hit, Chateau de Valandraud. Château Bel Air Ouy can be considered as the third wine of Château de Valandraud. The vines grow on only 6,5 hectares; the average age of vines is 30 years. Annual production is 30 000 bottles.

The pruning is double guyot. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks during 23-28 days at automatically controlled temperature 28°C. The wine is matured in oak barrels during 18-20 months. No filtering. Blend is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. An elegant wine with notes of bing cherries, vanilla and licorice.