Libourne estate producing Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, including the Merlot Cuvée ReVinTho aged in French oak.
The producer
Château Mélin is a Debacque family estate in Libourne, east of Saint-Émilion. Its wines are designated Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and come from sandy-gravel terroir. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats for gentle extraction of aromas and tannins. Cuvée ReVinTho is made exclusively from Merlot and aged in French oak. The range also includes a cuvée carrying the Château Mélin name.
Known for
Merlot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Notable facts
The vineyard covers approximately 11 hectares.
René Debacque acquired Château Mélin in 1948.
Fermentation takes place in concrete vats for gentle extraction of aromas and tannins.
Cuvée ReVinTho 2023 contains 14% alcohol by volume.
The story
The ReVinTho Name
In 2012, Château Mélin introduced Cuvée ReVinTho as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru tribute to René, Vincent and Thomas, the three generations who shaped the estate. The name was chosen for those three family members, and the cuvée joined the wine carrying the Château Mélin name. René had acquired the property, Vincent later took over, and Thomas joined the estate, giving the title its sequence across the family line. Cuvée ReVinTho is the named family bottling in the range, with all three men named together on the label.
From the atlas
Château Mélin
Château Mélin makes Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines in Libourne, with Cuvée ReVinTho as an exclusively Merlot cuvée aged in French oak.
At A Glance
Place
Libourne, Gironde
Appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Main grape
Merlot in Cuvée ReVinTho
Signature wine
Cuvée ReVinTho
Defining feature
Concrete-vat fermentation and French oak ageing
The Producer
René Debacque acquired Château Mélin in 1948, when the property was devoted to dairy production. The family moved into viticulture during the 1950s and committed fully to it by the 1970s. The estate produces wines designated as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, including Cuvée ReVinTho, made exclusively from Merlot.
Fermentation takes place in concrete vats. This traditional vessel allows gentle extraction of aromas and tannins, keeping the cellar method focused on measured contact with the grape skins.
Place
Seven kilometres east of Saint-Émilion, Château Mélin is located in Libourne, Gironde. The estate produces wines designated as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Its vineyard features sandy-gravel terroir characteristic of the region.
Sandy gravel drains quickly, reducing standing water around vine roots and supporting steady vine growth. The ground is a physical part of the estate's Saint-Émilion setting, alongside the appellation name carried by its wines.
Wines
The range holds the Château Mélin cuvée alongside Cuvée ReVinTho. Château Mélin spends 12 months in oak barrel. Cuvée ReVinTho is made exclusively from Merlot and ages 14 months in French oak barrels.
The 2023 vintage carries 14% alcohol by volume. It has a brilliant ruby colour, a full, velvety and persistent mouthfeel, and a long, slightly grilled, taut finish. The wine is drinkable in youth and reveals more after several years.
Final Word
Château Mélin pairs a wine named for the estate with Cuvée ReVinTho, named to honour René, Vincent and Thomas.