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The “château”

Le Château des Mille Anges, owes its name to its location « milange », where one once found the convent of the Sisters of the Assumption, located next to the site of the new church of Saint Germain de Graves. This was rebuilt in the 19th century in neo-roman style with a square clock tower and containing ancient paintings.

The religious order cultivated vines for the table and for mass. Until the second World War, little children were taught and protected by the sisters, but the convent was subsequently closed. Mrs Van Ekris, seduced by the unique panorama bought the vineyard in 1994.

Major investments have since been made. Including a new chai for the oak barrels, new storage facilities and expansion and renovation of the cuverie. All cuves are individually climate controlled as are the storage facilities. Also added were 2 new apartments for the staff and visitors. The “Château des Mille Anges” is so named in memory of the little children who were taught here

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château des Mille Anges is situated on the right bank of the Garonne river, approximately 30 km from the city of Bordeaux and has a surface of 30 hectare. Its steep slopes assure natural drainage, and its SE to SW location allows the vines to benefit from optimal exposure. The soil is a harmonious mixture of gravel, while the subsoil consists of clay-calcaire. The mild, oceanic climate of the region works together with the terrain to produce grapes of outstanding quality.

The vines have an average age of 20 years, the younger vines perfectly balanced with the ardour of the older vines. The red wines consist of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Château des Mille Anges produces its red wines exclusively by a careful and subtle assemblage of these different varietals which are produced from its own vineyard. Approximately ten percent of the production is a dry white wine consisting of a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris.

In the vineyard all work is directed with the sole aim of producing grapes of the highest quality. Thus starting with the pruning, the tasks are multifold, working the soil, weeding between the vines, limiting the yields, de-leafing to give the grapes more exposure to the sun; all work is done with the utmost respect for the soil, that is to say, everything is done to produce wine worthy of the name “Mille Anges”.

The varietals

The Merlot, which is dominant, gives the wine the aroma of fruit, spices and flowers, it adds suppleness and complexity to the wine.
The Cabernet Franc gives the wine its notes of ripe red fruit: this is all about finesse and intensity.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for the fullness and structure accounts for the fullness and structure, thanks to its tannins. It gives length and solidity to the wine. The union (or blending) of these 3 varietals allows one to achieve a wine where each contributes the best of itself.
The Sauvignon Blanc is a French varietal which matures early. It loves the oceanic climate. Already present in the Graves area in 1736, one finds it thereafter at Pouilly sur Loire in 1783. It gives a dry white wine of rich perfume.
The Sauvignon Gris is a variant of the Sauvignon Blanc with pink tinted grapes. It presents the same characteristics, but it has better application in the production of semi-sweet and sweet wines.

The production

Consultant: Hubert de Bouard consulting, Château l’Angélus Saint-Emilion.

In order to create wines of the highest quality our yield does not exceed 48 hl per hectare. The grapes are harvested at the optimum time of maturity and quality. The vinification is very mindful of the quality of the grapes and begins with a cold pre-fermentation / maceration at 8°C in order to extract the best colour and fruitness.

The alcoholic fermentation lasts one week and is followed by a long “cuvaison” allowing the tannins to become smooth and round. After malolactic fermentation, the wines of the château are aged in oak barrels for 14 to 16 months.

To create the best conditions for finished products, all our ware-houses are air conditioned. The Wines of Mille Anges are authentic and generous with excellent potential for cellaring, but even young they are tasty and can be enjoyed.