Château de La Riviere, Fronsac
Château de La Riviere is one of the older estates in the Fronsac appellation. The history of the property can be dated back all the way back to 769, when the Emperor Charlemagne ordered that a fort be constructed on the site, Prior to 769, the land was previously used by the ancient Romans as a burial mound. The large, 65 hectare vineyard of Chateau de La Riviere is planted to 82% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% old vine Malbec in 53 separate parcels on clay, limestone and sandy soils. This shows a marked increase in the plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards have old vines, some of which are up to 80 years old and the entire property is farmed organically.
_______________________________________________________
2012 Château de La Riviere “ARIA”
76% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc,
12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec
14.5% Alcohol
“The Wine Cellar Insider” – 89-91 Points
Jeff Leve
“Deep in color with licorice, flowers and jammy berries in the nose, the wine is rich, deep, ripe, jammy and full-bodied with a chocolate covered, black cherry finish.”