# Château Haut Prieur (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Haut Prieur
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Malbec
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €30
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, dark floral scents, smoke, chocolate

## About this wine

Château Haut Prieur, produced by the Baudin family, is a red wine from the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation in France. The 2021 vintage is a blend of Merlot and Malbec, cultivated on an 8-hectare estate with clay and limestone soils. The family's winemaking history spans over 150 years, with a current focus on environmental stewardship, evidenced by their High Environmental Value (HEV 3) certification and a planned transition to organic certification. The Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux region is recognized for offering excellent value. The 2021 vintage, despite a challenging growing season in Bordeaux, is noted for its finesse and classic character.

## Interesting facts

- The estate is HEV 3 certified, the highest level of French environmental certification.
- Vines on the estate are an average of 35 years old, with some exceeding 60 years.
- The Baudin family is moving towards full organic certification by 2025.
- The 2021 vintage earned a Silver medal at the 2023 International Wine Challenge.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus tannins and rich fruit profile are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in red meats and richer dishes. Its high acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through richness and cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

Château Haut Prieur's winemaking process begins with a machine harvest, employing technology to select only the best berries. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to preserve fruit purity. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in barrels to develop its structure and complexity. The final blend is then prepared, reflecting the estate's commitment to quality and its specific terroir. The Baudin family's approach emphasizes environmental stewardship, with practices like natural grass cover and a move towards organic certification.