Discoveries and alternatives
Château Altimar - Martial Junquas
- Cabernet Franc leads Altimar: Altimar’s Lalande-de-Pomerol gives Cabernet Franc the leading role: the estate’s blend is 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fifteen months in oak, one-third new, accompany a substantial opening, cherry and currant fruit, liquorice and pepper, with freshness holding the palate together.
- Martial becomes Altimar: In 2009, winemaker Martial Junquas took over neighbouring vines and created his estate. His first name provided the name: rearranging the letters of Martial gives Altimar.
- One estate, two appellations: In 2017, he added Saint-Émilion vines to those in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Their wine was then named “Château Altimar - Puy Versannes”, followed by “Château Puy Versannes”.
- Read the label by vintage: The vintage matters: “Puy Versannes” 2019 carries Saint-Émilion; the estate’s price list presents the 2022 as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.