Chateau du Glana History, Overviey

Chateau du Glana dates back to 1870, when the Saint Julien estate was created. Prior to 1870, some of the vineyard was once a part of the neighboring Chateau Saint-Pierre . However, the modern era for the estate is much younger. That stars in 1961, when it was purchased by Gabriel Meffre . At the time of the purchase, Chateau du Glana was in a sad state of dilapidation.

Only three hectares of vines remained planted. Everything needed a complete renovation, from the vineyards to the chateau, the cellars and all the wine making facilities. The renovations were completed in 1968. Chateau du Glana is not the only vineyard controlled by the owners, the Meffre family also own ChateauLalande in St. Julien as well.

With the start of the 21st century, the Meffre family made a new commitment to improve the quality and image of their Bordeaux wine. Prior to 1999, the top wine was sold under the name of Chateau du Glana Vieilles Vignes. That was shortened to just Chateau du Glana in 2000. In 2003, Chateau du Glana once again began a complete renovation, bringing the estate up to the standards of modern times in its wine making and vineyard management techniques. The renovation they completed in 2003, included much replanting in the vineyard as well as a complete modernization of the vat rooms, grape reception area and barrel cellars. Today, Chateau du Glana remains one of last remaining, non classified growths in the appellation. Chateau du Glana once again modernized their cellars and wine making facilities in 2015.

Chateau du Glana Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes , Winemaking

The 59 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Chateau du Glana is located not far Chateau Lagrange . The Saint Julien vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot . This marked a change in the vineyard cepage for the estate, as 5% of the vineyard was previously planted with Cabernet Franc . Those vines were removed and replaced with Merlot. On average, the vines are 25 years of age. The terroir is gravel based soils, typical of what you will find in that part of the Medoc . The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 7,000 vines per hectare. Picking is conducted using a combination of machine harvesting and manual picking.

To produce the wine of Chateau du Glana, the wine is vinified in large, traditional cement vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wines are aged in 40% new, French oak barrels for 12 months. The production is on average close to 15,000 cases per vintage. There is a second wine , Pavillon du Glana.