On the slopes of the Garonne’s right bank, south of Bordeaux, Château du Cros is a family affair. Catherine Boyer manages the vineyard, and Henri Boyer oversees the wines as the oenologist. This division of roles between the vines and the cellar ensures that each vintage is followed with care, from the plot to the bottle.

Their vines, often very old, sink their roots into clay-limestone soil resting on a purely limestone subsoil. This terroir provides the wine with both richness and a welcome freshness, which is essential for the balance of a great sweet wine. The old vines, with their naturally lower yields, produce concentrated and expressive grapes.

For this Loupiac, nothing is left to chance. The grapes are harvested by hand, in several passes through the rows, to pick only the perfectly ripe berries. It is a long and demanding job, but it makes all the difference. The grapes are then pressed slowly to extract a pure, rich juice. It ferments in small vats before being refined for a year in barrels. This aging process gives it complexity, texture, and a lovely overall harmony.

The blend is based primarily on Sémillon, the king of Bordeaux sweet wine grape varieties, which gives the wine its richness and roundness. A touch of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris completes the blend, adding liveliness and aromatic freshness.

This 2020 Loupiac sports a beautiful golden yellow color, luminous and inviting. The nose opens with notes of white and exotic fruits. On the palate, the wine is soft and slightly spicy, with a lovely roundness and controlled sweetness. The finish is straight and balanced, refreshed by notes of grapefruit that prevent any heaviness.