The second wine of Chateau Gloria is called Esprit de Gloria, previously known as Peymartin. This wine is a reflection of the estate's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, offering a more accessible and approachable option for wine enthusiasts.
Esprit de Gloria is produced using the same vineyards and grapes as Chateau Gloria, ensuring that it maintains the same high standards and character as its counterpart. However, it is crafted to be enjoyed at a younger age, allowing for a more immediate drinking experience.
The decision to create a second wine is often driven by the desire to make the most out of the estate's production and ensure that only the finest grapes are used for the flagship wine. By selecting certain parcels of grapes or barrels that may not quite meet the criteria for Chateau Gloria, the winemakers are able to create a separate wine that still showcases the distinct terroir and style of the estate.
Esprit de Gloria is typically aged for a slightly shorter period than Chateau Gloria, usually around 12 months in French oak barrels. This shorter aging process allows the wine to maintain its vibrant fruit flavors and youthful characteristics, making it a more approachable option for those who prefer a softer and more immediate drinking experience.
In terms of production, the annual output of Chateau Gloria is close to 20,000 cases per year. While the exact number of cases produced for Esprit de Gloria may vary from vintage to vintage, it is typically a significant portion of the overall production.
As a sommelier, I have had the pleasure of tasting both Chateau Gloria and Esprit de Gloria side by side, and while they share the same DNA, there are distinct differences that set them apart. Chateau Gloria often exhibits more complexity, depth, and aging potential, while Esprit de Gloria offers a more approachable and fruit-forward profile.
It is worth noting that the decision to change the name from Peymartin to Esprit de Gloria was likely a strategic one, aligning the second wine more closely with its prestigious parent estate. This rebranding reflects the estate's commitment to maintaining a consistent image and quality across their entire range of wines.
The second wine of Chateau Gloria is Esprit de Gloria, previously known as Peymartin. It is crafted to be enjoyed at a younger age, offering a more approachable and immediate drinking experience. While sharing the same vineyards and grapes as Chateau Gloria, Esprit de Gloria has its own unique character and is aged for a slightly shorter period. It is a testament to the estate's dedication to quality and ensuring that only the finest grapes are used for their flagship wine.