Chateau Dalem Fronsac Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Dalem Fronsac with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux:Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Dalem History, Overview

Chateau Dalem is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux. The estate originated all the way back in 1610. Chateau Dalem remained in the same family ownership until the vineyard was purchased by Michel Rullier in 1955.

Today, Chateau Dalem is managed by Brigitte Rullier-Loussert. Brigitte Rullier-Loussert took over managing the property in 2002. The Rullier family has long ties in the Bordeaux appellation.

Additionally, the family also owns two other estates aside from Chateau Dalem in the Right Bank including another vineyard in the Fronsac appellation, Chateau de la Huste. Chateau de la Huste has remained in the family’s hands since 1860. Brigitte Rullier-Loussert is also charge of managing Chateau de la Huste. They also produce Chateau La Longua, which is made from declassified grapes from both Chateau Dalem and Chateau de la Huste.

In 2019, Chateau Dalem completed the full renovation and modernization of their cellars and wine-making facilities. Sadly in February 2022, Michel Rullier passed away at the age of 94.

Chateau Dalem Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 20 hectare vineyard of Chateau Dalem is planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The minor portion of Malbec has been removed. This is a big change in the vineyards. First, the vineyard has increased in size since it was initially acquired. In fact, it has more than tripled in size since the family purchased the vineyard in 1955!

The varietals have also shifted over the years. For the grape varietals planted, previously, the estate devoted 10% of the Chateau Dalem vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon. Those vines have been removed and those parcels have been replaced with more Merlot.

The terroir is a mix of clay and limestone soils with south, by southeast facing exposures. The vineyard can be subdivided into 15 distinct parcels. The vines are old. On average, the vines are 45 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a vine density that ranges from 6,000 vines per hectare to 6,600 vines per hectare.

To produce the wine of Chateau Dalem, the wines are vinified in traditional, temperature-controlled, concrete vats. The vats range in size to allow for a parcel by parcel vinification.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. The wine of Chateau Dalem is aged in 60% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months before bottling. In 2008, the estate introduced a second wine, Tenation de Dalem. The average annual production of Chateau Dalem is close to 5,500 cases per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Dalem are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

When to Drink Chateau Dalem, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Dalem is much better with at least 2-4 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 1 hour to 90 minutes. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Dalem offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 3-12 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Dalem with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Dalem is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Dalem is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Dalem is also good when matched with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

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