# Château Giscours Grand Cru Classé En 1855 (2018)

- **Producer:** Château Giscours
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €79
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, cedar, blackcurrant, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, leather, tobacco, wet leaves, earth

## About this wine

Château Giscours Grand Cru Classé En 1855 is a distinguished red wine from the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Château Giscours, the 2018 vintage is a blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The estate has a rich history dating back centuries, with its modern era marked by a commitment to quality and elegance. Its location in Margaux, on gravelly soils, contributes to the wine's characteristic profile. The 2018 growing season, characterized by a hot and dry summer, led to ripe fruit and good structure, with a notable inclusion of Merlot enhancing the wine's density and roundness.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards at Giscours date back to 1552.
- The estate is renowned for its neoclassical palace and extensive park.
- The 2018 vintage saw a 30% reduction in production due to mildew.
- This vintage features a significant Merlot component (39%).

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing. The savory notes in the wine can echo the herbs and earthy flavors often found in classic meat dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Château Giscours for this vintage involves traditional fermentation with an extended maceration period of 35 days at 28°C, designed to extract color, tannins, and aromas. Gentle vinification techniques are employed to preserve the wine's structure and freshness. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with a proportion of new oak used to add complexity. The harvest for the 2018 vintage occurred from September 12 to October 12, capitalizing on favorable late-season weather conditions.