Château Mirebeau: Vineyards
As already described Château Mirebeau is situated in Martillac, on the suitably named Route de Mirebeau, surrounded by the suburbs of this commune. There are 4 hectares of vines in a single block behind the château, situated on a mild slope which at its peak is 40 metres above sea level. Although completely encircled by residential dwellings there are other vineyards nearby, including Château Latour-Martillac, a stone’s throw to the east, as well as Château Lespault-Martillac, Clos Marsalette and Château Haut-Nouchet, all of which lie beyond the houses to the south.
The soils underfoot are mainly gravel overlying a complex subsoil of clay, sand and fossil-rich chalk. There is a white vineyard which is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, comprising just 1,500 vines which were planted in 2005, with a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. The soils here are more marl than gravel, and the slope north-facing, which helps to shade the fruit from excessive summer temperatures. The red vineyard features more gravel, and is planted at 7,200 vines per hectare. Today the vines are 70% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the remaining 10% equal parts of Carmenère and Petit Verdot. The lowest part of the vineyard facing north is exclusively Merlot, while higher up the slope there is more Merlot plus all the other varieties. On average the vineyard is about 20 years old.
