The producer
What is an unclassified chateau made up of parcels of Classified Growths? – surely the most democratic of Saint-Juliens! In 1942, Henri Martin, a cooper born in the region, began acquiring plots of vineyards from classed growth properties, including Talbot, Gruaud-Larose and Leoville-Barton. The same year he took over the Gloria property and by the mid 1960s he had 50 ha spread from north to south in the St-Julien appellation. In 1991 he passed away and today Gloria is run by son-in-law Jean-Louis Triaud.
Gloria is usually a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It matures in a combination of large oak foudres and 50% new small oak barrels, and is one of the great bargains, yet high-quality, Bordeaux, - certainly worthy of inclusion among the Classified Growths.
This is very good Bordeaux at an agreeable price.
The wine
Gloria is usually a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and is followed by malolactic fermentation and ageing in 30% new oak barrels for around 12 months. Gloria is one of the great bargains, yet high-quality, Bordeaux and certainly worthy of inclusion among the Classified Growths.
