# Château Du Bousquet (2022)

- **Producer:** Château Du Bousquet
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, toast, cloves, tobacco, forest floor, leather

## About this wine

Château Du Bousquet is a historic estate located in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. Spanning 75 hectares with 65 hectares under vine, the estate is renowned for its high planting density of 6,600 to 7,000 vines per hectare, which is significantly higher than the regional average. This density forces the vines to dig deep into the sandy-gravelly soils, resulting in concentrated grapes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The estate focuses on traditional Bordeaux varieties, primarily Merlot, to craft wines of structure, elegance, and approachability.

## Interesting facts

- The estate features a planting density of up to 7,000 vines per hectare, nearly double the appellation's minimum requirement.
- Château Du Bousquet's 2022 vintage earned a highly respectable 90-point score from Decanter in 2024.
- The vineyard's sandy-gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, forcing the vines to develop deep root systems.

## Food pairing

The medium-to-full body and structured tannins of this Merlot-dominant blend pair beautifully with rich, protein-heavy dishes. The wine's acidity cuts through the fat of grilled meats, while its dark fruit profile complements earthy flavors like mushrooms and roasted herbs.

## Wine making process

The winemaking at Château Du Bousquet combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern temperature-controlled fermentation. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and sorted carefully. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete vats to preserve the vibrant fruit character. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (a mix of new and seasoned wood) to integrate tannins, add complexity, and impart subtle spice notes before final blending and bottling.