An avant-garde vat room
In 2003, Cos d’Estournel set a new standard for winemaking when it implemented isothermal vats shaped like truncated cones; it was the first time a vineyard would choose stainless steel as its material of choice while also seeking to maintain certain qualities associated with wood.
The unique shape of the vats would allow for homogeneous extraction during fermentation and the temperature-controlled environment would mean a highly precise winemaking process, to maintain the wine’s freshness and intensify its aromas of fruit.
Today a fleet of 84 vats allows winemaking at Cos d’Estournel to take place under ideal conditions. Their very existence is proof of the team’s willingness to bypass existing methods in search of solutions adapted to the specific needs of the vineyard.
In looking beyond traditional winemaking techniques to seek answers in other industries, the team has embraced the avant-garde values of the estate’s original craftsman.
