# Château de la Vieille Chapelle Tradition (2021)

- **Producer:** Château de la Vieille Chapelle
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €32
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blueberry, fresh herbs, blackcurrant, raspberry, red cherry

## About this wine

Château de la Vieille Chapelle Tradition 2021 is a red wine from the Bordeaux AOC in France. The estate boasts a historical connection to a 12th-century Romanesque chapel and is managed by the Mallier family since 2006. The vineyards are approximately 60 years old, planted on clay-limestone soil. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, with farming practices focused on biodiversity and manual labor to protect soil structure. The wine is a blend dominated by Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%).

## Interesting facts

- Estate features an 11th-century Romanesque chapel.
- Vineyards are approximately 60 years old.
- Farming is entirely manual to preserve soil structure.
- Estate integrates forests, fruit trees, bees, sheep, and chickens.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-full body and medium tannins are well-suited to complement the protein in red meats and poultry, while its fruit-forward character can stand up to richer sauces. The herbal notes in the wine can echo herbs used in cooking, creating a harmonious bridge.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château de la Vieille Chapelle Tradition 2021 begins with a manual harvest and selection of grapes. Fermentation is conducted using indigenous yeasts, with both fermentation and aging taking place in raw concrete vats. The wine is intentionally unfined and unfiltered. The estate emphasizes organic and biodynamic viticulture, with manual farming techniques aimed at preserving soil health and biodiversity. The overall approach prioritizes natural processes and minimal intervention to express the terroir.