# Château Giscours (2012)

- **Producer:** Château Giscours
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €75
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, cherry, plum, liquorice, smoke, cedar, vanilla, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Château Giscours is a Third Growth estate classified in the landmark 1855 Bordeaux Classification, located in the Margaux appellation of the Médoc. Records of the estate date back to a fortified keep in 1330, with wine production formally documented from 1552. A grand neoclassical château was erected on the property in 1847. Acquired in 1995 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, the 300-hectare estate is managed today by his family. The property functions as a diverse ecosystem, integrating deep Garonne gravel soils with heritage livestock breeds and expansive woodland.

## Interesting facts

- King Louis XIV was known to actively favor the wines of Château Giscours during the 17th century.
- The 300-hectare property operates an ecosystem integrating rare Bordelais cattle and Landes sheep.
- The estate's vineyards are situated across three historic Garonne river gravel hilltops.

## Food pairing

The structured tannins and crisp acidity of this Margaux effectively cut through fatty proteins in prime cuts of beef, duck, and lamb. Meanwhile, savory secondary oak notes and deep fruit depth harmonize naturally with aged hard cheeses and dark game meats.

## Wine making process

Harvest for the 2012 vintage took place between September 27 and October 17. Grapes were subjected to double selection via manual and optical sorting. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats with a 35-day maceration at 28°C designed for gentle extraction. The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, of which 50% were new oak.