SGC is a brand of 4 Bordeaux wines coming from parcels that were not discovered at the time of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, coming from secret parcels on both left and right banks of Gironde river, benefiting from specific soil components to produce a Grand Vin. SGC parcels are small in size and produce a red wine in the following appellations: Pauillac, Medoc, Pomerol and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.
Contents
Each of the 4 wines has its own blend of grape varieties matching the specifics of the appellation. In average SGC produces 3500 cases per year.
Created by Arnaud Christiaens, a former financier in 2006, it quickly gained recognition from famous wine critics such as Michel Bettane and Jancis Robinson . World champion sommelier Gérard Basset is the ambassador of the brand.
History
Oenophile financier Arnaud Christiaens founded SGC in 2006 with the goal to produce a wine good enough to compete with the best of the appellation. Jancis Robinson wrote "This is a scheme designed to kick the whole Bordeaux system where it hurts most".
Four Michelin-starred chefs have been chosen to endorse part of the production for each appellation:
The enterprise bore its first results with the production of 2006 vintage. As of 2013, the wine is sold by invitation only and the only exception from this being Hedonism Wines Mayfair, London.
Production
SGC produces wines from 4 appellations:
SGC Pomerol
The parcels of SGC approximately extend to 4 hectares (9.8 acres). The soil consists of deep layers of small gravel, clay and sand with blue clay. The grape variety distribution depending on the vintage is: 90-92% merlot and 8-10% cabernet franc. The average age of the vines exceed 45 years for the merlot and 20 years for the cabernet franc. The grape juice is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and concrete vats with maceration lasting approximately three weeks. SGC Pomerol is aged in 100% new oak for 18 months.
Production: 13000 bottles
SGC Saint-Emilion Grand Crû
The parcels of SGC approximately extend to 10 hectares. The soil consists of clay and limestone. The grape variety distribution depending on the vintage is: 60% merlot and 30% cabernet franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec. The average age of the vines is 30 years old for the merlot and 20 years for the cabernet franc. The grape juice is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and concrete vats with maceration lasting approximately three weeks. SGC Saint Emilion Grand Crû is aged in 100% new oak for 18–20 months.
Production: 15000 bottles
SGC Pauillac
SGC Pauillac comes from a small vineyard of less than a hectare. The soil and subsoil consist of clay and gravel. The grape variety distribution depending on the vintage is: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.The methods are traditional however one particularity is that the three grape varieties are blended to experience the alcoholic fermentation together. There is a hard maceration for 21 days with the malolactic fermentation. SGC Pauillac is aged in 100% new oak for 18–20 months.
Production: 3000 bottles
SGC Medoc
The parcels of SGC approximately extend to 12 hectares. The soil consists of clay and gravel. The grape variety distribution depending on the vintage is: 60% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petit Verdot. The average age of the vines is 40 years old. The grape juice is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and concrete vats with maceration lasting approximately three weeks. SGC Pomerol is aged in 100% new oak for 18–20 months.
Production: Approx. 10000 bottles
Recognition
World champion sommelier Gérard Basset has been an ambassador for the brand since 2012.
Master of Wine and wine critic Jancis Robinson wrote that the wines "[withstand] comparison with first growths" after a blind tasting putting SGC wines up against four first growths.
Notes from Jancis Robinson: