# Château La Carelle (2021)

- **Producer:** Vignobles Bayle-Carreau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, black cherry, raspberry, violet, redcurrant, vanilla, cedar, leather, earth

## About this wine

Château La Carelle 2021 is a red wine from the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, produced by Vignobles Bayle-Carreau. The estate, operated by the Bayle family for over 150 years, is situated on clayey-calcareous and siliceous soils. The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux presented climatic challenges, but careful vineyard management resulted in wines noted for their freshness and refined character. The wine's name, Château La Carelle, is thought to have historical origins related to vineyard work.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'La Carelle' may refer to the distance a wine worker could cover in an hour.
- The estate has been in the Bayle family since the late 1800s.
- The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by challenging weather conditions.
- This wine is described as having a 'feminine' and sophisticated character.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity and fine tannins make it versatile. It can cut through the richness of white meats and duck, while its subtle fruit notes complement lighter dishes like fish and vegetable-centric preparations. The wine's sophistication allows it to pair well with dishes that have delicate herbal or fruit components.

## Wine making process

Château La Carelle 2021 undergoes traditional vinification, with fermentation lasting 3 to 4 weeks under controlled temperatures. Hot maceration is employed at the conclusion of fermentation. Following this, the wine is aged for six months in tanks, then for 12 to 14 months in oak barrels. Sustainable farming practices are a core element of the vineyard management at Vignobles Bayle-Carreau.