Bordeaux is a region in eastern France where the Gironde estuary splits into the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. It is generally flat, and elevations are rarely more than a few meters above sea level. Vineyards tend to be densely planted with resulting low vigor at the level of individual vines. The Left Bank, on the western side, is associated Cabernet Sauvignon and gravel and limestone; the Right Bank, on the east, with Merlot (the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux) and clay. Cabernet provides bones, Merlot provides flesh. The climate is maritime and damp, rather than continental, though winter freezes and spring frosts can occur. Harvest can be challenging, since rains are typical. Les Cailloux, “the stones,” is named for the rocks found in many of the best Bordeaux vineyards. They keep the soil well drained, and force vines to dig their roots deep. Putting this stress on grapevines makes them regulate fruit production, so berries are smaller with more concentration.
Grapes for this wine are fermented by variety in tank, racked, and aged in older 225-liter barrels for about a year.
TASTING NOTES
Quite aromatic, the nose is dominated by black fruits, notably blackberry. The palate is dry, fruity, and spicy, offering both dark fruit and strawberry/raspberry components, clove, toast, and touches of earth and graphite. Elegant, with medium body and length.
FOOD PAIRING
Pair with grilled or roasted meats, particularly beef and lamb. Try with wild mushrooms or smoked tofu. Hard or “stinky” cheeses (e.g. Roquefort, Camembert, Brie) work well. Game and game birds are good partners.
Duck, Grilled preparations, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pizza, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Wild Game