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Château Mélin
Château Mélin, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate near Libourne: merlot-dominant reds, direct from the estate...
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Château Mélin - the elegance of a great Saint-Émilion terroir
Château Mélin
A family estate of Libourne, at the gates of Saint-Emilion (Debacque family). 10 ha, soils of brown sands and gravels, 85% Merlot. Grand vin, cuvees ReVinTho (Grand Cru) and ReneSens.
In Libourne, at the gates of Saint-Emilion and a stone's throw from the Dordogne, Chateau Melin embodies a sincere and demanding vision of Bordeaux wine. Here, no excess or artifice: a remarkable terroir, a strong family history and precise work in the service of fine, harmonious and deeply refined wines.
Wines marked by finesse more than by power, elegant, precise and generous.
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A rare terroir, inspired by the greatest Libournais crus
The vineyard extends over 10 hectares benefiting from a natural microclimate favourable to a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. The soils, from Quaternary outcrops, are composed of brown sands and gravels: this draining, healthy structure is close to some renowned terroirs of Pomerol and western Saint-Emilion. The roots plunge deep, drawing the water and mineral elements needed to craft elegant, precise and generous wines, marked by finesse more than by power.
A grape blend emblematic of Saint-Émilion
The vineyard is planted with grapes faithful to the identity of the Libournais: 85% Merlot, for roundness, fruit and suppleness; 10% Cabernet Franc, for freshness and aromatic finesse; and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, for structure and depth. The vines are pruned short, in simple or double Guyot, in order to control yields and concentrate the expression of the grape.
A traditional, mastered and patient winemaking
In the cellar, the Debacque family favours a classic, rigorous approach, respectful of the fruit and the terroir: maceration of about one month, fermentation in vat with submerged cap, ageing in oak barrels for 12 months and regular renewal of the barrels to preserve the oaky balance. The bottling is carried out at the chateau, guaranteeing total control of the quality, and the annual production remains deliberately limited, around 20,000 bottles.
The cuvees of Château Mélin
Château Mélin
AOC Saint-Emilion - red (Merlot-dominant)
The estate's grand vin: a deep ruby colour, aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, vanilla and soft spices, a smooth palate with velvety tannins and an elegant finish, without heaviness. Accessible young, with a real ageing potential.
Cuvée ReVinTho
AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru - plot selection
From the finest vines, a more structured cuvee that keeps the estate's elegance. The 2016 vintage reveals dried fig, morello cherry and toasted notes, a round, vibrant palate, a long, tense finish.
Cuvée RenéSens
AOC Saint-Emilion - limited series, barrel-aged
A confidential cuvee, entirely vinified and aged in oak barrels, long reserved for the family circle: fruity intensity, spices and oaky elegance, to discover young as well as after a few years.
From the accessible, harmonious grand vin to the ReVinTho plot selection and the limited ReneSens series, each cuvee reveals an authentic, delicate and balanced Saint-Emilion.
Saint-Émilion, direct from the estate
A family estate recognised beyond borders
The wines of Chateau Melin are today appreciated well beyond France. This recognition rests on a clear philosophy: respect for the terroir, technical mastery and passion for wine. Chateau Melin embodies an authentic, delicate and balanced Saint-Emilion, designed for lovers of sincere, readable great Bordeaux wines.
How do the gravelly and sandy soils of Château Mélin influence the finesse and elegance of the Saint-Émilion wines compared with clay-limestone terroirs?
Your questions about Château Mélin
Where is Château Mélin located?
In Libourne, at the gates of Saint-Emilion and a stone's throw from the Dordogne (Bordeaux right bank), on a remarkable Libournais terroir.
Who runs the estate?
The Debacque family, who carry a sincere and demanding vision of Bordeaux wine: respect for the terroir, technical mastery and passion for wine.
How big is the vineyard?
10 hectares, with a deliberately limited annual production, around 20,000 bottles, a guarantee of precision and quality.
What is the terroir of Château Mélin?
Soils of Quaternary outcrops, composed of brown sands and gravels, draining and healthy, close to some renowned terroirs of Pomerol and western Saint-Emilion.
What is the grape blend of the estate?
85% Merlot (roundness, fruit, suppleness), 10% Cabernet Franc (freshness and finesse) and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (structure and depth).
How are the wines made?
A classic, patient approach: maceration of about one month, fermentation in vat with submerged cap, 12 months' ageing in oak barrels, with regular renewal of the barrels; bottling at the chateau.
What is the style of the Château Mélin wines?
A natural finesse and balance: deep ruby colours, aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, vanilla and soft spices, smooth palates with velvety tannins, elegant finishes without heaviness.
What is the ReVinTho cuvee?
A rigorous plot selection from the finest vines, in Saint-Emilion Grand Cru: a more structured style that keeps the estate's elegance, with a fine ageing potential.
What is the ReneSens cuvee?
A confidential cuvee in a limited series, entirely vinified and aged in oak barrels, long reserved for the family, now offered in very small quantities.
Are these wines for keeping?
Yes: accessible in their youth, they offer a real ageing potential with a few years of keeping, particularly the ReVinTho and ReneSens cuvees.
Which dishes to enjoy with these wines?
With red meats, lamb, game, dishes in sauce and matured cheeses, typical of the Bordeaux table.
Where can you buy Château Mélin wines directly?
You can find the available cuvees here, direct from the estate, carefully shipped across France and Europe. The selection changes with the vintages.
Direct from the estate, at the gates of Saint-Émilion
Château Mélin - A family estate of Libourne, at the gates of Saint-Emilion (Debacque family), 10 ha.
Soils of brown sands and gravels, 85% Merlot - grand vin, cuvees ReVinTho (Grand Cru) and ReneSens