Bordeaux
The vintage
2016 has been a remarkable vintage in the Bordeaux region, reminiscent of the legendary 1990 in terms of both quantity and quality! It was a fairly challenging year for winegrowers, with a very wet start to the growth cycle (800 mm of rain over the first six months of the year), a very dry period from 1 July to 13 September, and finally localized thunderstorms and a beautiful Indian summer that enabled the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. Excluding the areas affected by frost, hail, or outbreaks of mildew, and in contrast to the rest of France’s vineyards, overall yields this year in Bordeaux were the highest since 2011 (up 10%). The red wines are rich, smooth and fruity, with tannins of a rarely obtained maturity and very deep colours.
Location
Réserve Spéciale Bordeaux rouge comes from Entre-deux-Mers région.
Terroir
Entre-deux-Mers vineyard rests on the hillsides located between the two rivers South East of Bordeaux : the Dordogne and the Garonne. This vast territory offers an interresting diversity of terroirs and soils, ranging from chalky-clay plots well suited for Merlot, to well-exposed gravelous slopes perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking
This wine is made according to traditional methods in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Alcoholic fermentation was followed by 15 days of maceration at 28°C allowing for a gentle extraction of colour and tannins.
This wine is subtly wooded, in order to keep a good balance between the fruit and the oak.
Tasting
The robe is brilliant with deep crimson hues. The nose is very expressive with generous fresh fruit aromas (red currant, raspberry) enhanced by delicate notes of oak. On the palate this wine is round and finely structured, with a touch of oak and firm yet silky tannins. Nice persistence with a fresh and fruity finish. This wine is best enjoyed in its youth, within 2-3 years after bottling.
Alcohol content
12.5
Grapes
Merlot
: 80 %
Cabernet sauvignon
: 20 %