Terroir
The terroir of Montcaret, located between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, is characterised by limestone and clay-limestone soils that provide excellent drainage. The region's climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Dordogne, resulting in hot, dry summers followed by cooler, wetter autumns and winters. The climatic and geological conditions of the terroir are conducive to the cultivation of several grape varieties, notably Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
The red wines are naturally rich and full-bodied, with aromas of red fruit, blackcurrant and liquorice.
The Montcaret region is renowned for the quality of its wines and grape varieties, as well as the beauty of its natural landscapes.
The plots
Clay-limestone soils are characterised by the presence of both clay and limestone, two components that have a major influence on the structure and properties of the soil. Clay is a sedimentary rock made up of very fine particles that tend to retain water and nutrients, making them more readily available to plants. Limestone, on the other hand, is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It provides vines with essential mineral elements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also regulates the pH of the soil, making it more alkaline to encourage vine growth.
Clay-limestone soils naturally have good water and nutrient retention, which is beneficial for vine growth.
Grape varieties
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are two of the most popular red grape varieties in the Bordeaux region, as well as in most of the wine-growing regions of south-west France. Merlot is known for its juicy red fruit, soft body and velvety texture. It is often used in blends to soften the more robust tannins of other grape varieties. Merlot is also sensitive to terroir, which means that the characteristics of the soil and climate can have a significant impact on the wine's aromas and flavours. Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, is often used to add acidity and herbaceous notes to the blend. Wines made from Cabernet Franc generally have notes of cherry and pepper, as well as lively acidity and medium tannin structure.
By combining Merlot and Cabernet Franc, you can produce rich, complex red wines with aromas of ripe red fruit, spicy notes and silky tannins. It can also produce wines that age remarkably well over time, developing more complex flavours and a more refined texture.
Old Vines
Domaine La Doussinière is made up of plots of vines of different ages: Merlot from 1955 and 1992, Cabernet Franc from 1984. The plots with vines planted in 1955 are considered to be very old vines. The vines planted in 1984 and 1992 are younger, but still considered mature, ensuring excellent quality.