# Château Clerc Milon 2021 (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Clerc Milon
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €56
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, raspberry, cedar, pencil lead, black cherry, redcurrant, cloves, toasted bread, vanilla, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Château Clerc Milon 2021 is a red wine from the Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux, France, classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Classification. The estate, owned by the Baron Philippe de Rothschild family, spans 41 hectares on the Mousset ridge, with soils of deep, sandy gravel over clay-limestone. The blend for this vintage comprises 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Carmenère, and 1.5% Petit Verdot. The vineyard boasts an average vine age of 53 years, with some vines dating back to 1903. The winery's philosophy emphasizes excellence, terroir integrity, and the integration of tradition with technological innovation. The estate is known for its distinctive architecture, reflecting artistic sensibilities.

## Interesting facts

- Features one of the oldest Carmenère vines in Bordeaux, planted in 1947.
- Estate architecture is inspired by drama and dance.
- Located between First Growths Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild.
- Includes five grape varieties in its blend.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and medium+ body are well-suited to rich protein dishes, where they can soften and integrate. The wine's structure can also complement savory and earthy flavors found in mushrooms and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château Clerc Milon 2021 involves fermentation in 40 stainless steel temperature-controlled vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in tank. The wine then undergoes aging for 16 to 18 months in oak barrels, with 40-55% of these being new. Viticulture emphasizes sustainability and environmental respect, with some parcels managed using biodynamic techniques. The harvest for this vintage took place from September 22 to October 8. The estate utilizes modern winemaking facilities and integrates technological innovation into its practices.