UK Wine Show 154 Jean-Michel Laporte of La Conseillante on Pomerol

This show was published Friday, May 1, 2009

Overview

Chateau La Conseillante is one of the top producers in Pomerol, Bordeaux. We speak to general manager Jean-Michel Laporte about the Pomerol appellation and the wines of La Conseillante.

Pomerol is the smallest red wine appellation in Bordeaux situated on the Right Bank of the Gironde, close to St Emilion. The Pomerol appellation (AOC) was created in 1936. La Conseillante is a family owned estate run by the fourth & fifth generation. The 12 hectares of vineyards are well-positioned with neighbours that include Petrus and Cheval Blanc. The soils in the region are clay or gravel with a red clay sub-soil. La Conseillante grows only Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Merlot gives softness and roundness to the wine while Cab Franc is used to make the wine more powerful - 15% is added into the blend bringing fresh fruit and a long finish. A second label has been created to help explain to consumers that the grapes for the Grand Vin were being specially selected, hence the high price. Prior to the second label any surplus grapes were sold in bulk to a negociant and made into a generic Pomerol AOC wine. The quantities are small, only 600 cases in 2007 and 300 cases in 2008 but having a second label means La Conseillante brand is more accessible and not just for the wealthiest consumers.

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Sponsorship

The UK Wine Show is sponsored by ThirtyFifty. Our team of wine tasters are busy entertaining and educating UK consumers to help them get the most out of wine.

Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.