In 1586 when Francois Stutt (whose name was later naturalized to d'Estutt d'Assay) married Francoise de Bar, her dowry included the vineyards of Chateau de Tracy. Family archives indicate that vineyards were planted on the property as early as 1396 but it wasn’t until 1950, when Comte Alain d'Estutt d'Assay replanted the vineyards and revitalized this venerable domaine. Chateau de Tracy sits on a spur of rock overlooking the Loire, surrounded by parkland and vineyards. Additional estate vineyards are located along the right bank of the river in Les Loges – for a total of 56 acres under vine. Winemaker and proprietor Comte Henry d'Estutt d'Assay practices organic farming and keeps yields low via strict canopy management. The soils around the chateau are primarily silex while Kimmeridgien marl dominates the plots in Les Loges. Comte Henry blends wines from these two plots into the single cuvee, Chateau de Tracy. The slightly cooler and temperate climate of Les Loges allows longer hang time. This, coupled with the flintly soils of the domaine lends a fresh, rounded minerality to the wines. The grapes were hand-picked and softly crushed. Fermented slowly at low temperatures with occasional battonage.

Tasting notes

Aromas of fresh and tart citrus like lemon and grapefruit are followed by notes of almost ripe honeydew. The mid palate is richly textured, with a touch of fatness and subtle hints of smoke. Characteristic grassy and lemony varietal notes are balanced by bright, zippy acids. A well-structured wine with a strong mineral backbone, this wine is enjoyable now but will improve with a year or two of bottle age.

Technical notes

The grapes were hand-picked and softly crushed. The must fermented slowly at low temperatures with occasional battonage.