# Château Les Barraillots (2022)

- **Producer:** Château Les Barraillots
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €38
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe blackberry, red cherries, dark currant, spiced plum, oak, toasted aromas, spice, crushed peppercorn, prune, tobacco, earth, black tea

## About this wine

Château Les Barraillots is a distinguished 'Cru Artisan' estate situated in the renowned Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in 1928 by Ferdinand Brunet, a cooper from Château Margaux, the estate has remained a family-owned venture, now managed by Yannick Martin-Brunet. The name 'Barraillots' itself is a nod to historical local land divisions. The 7-hectare vineyard, planted with an average vine age of 40 years, benefits from Margaux's characteristic gravel soils and favorable microclimate. The 2022 vintage, characterized by warm and dry weather, has yielded a wine of notable concentration and balance, reflecting the strengths of the Bordeaux region.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Barraillots' refers to small fences or land banks used as property markers in local dialect.
- The estate is one of the last independent, family-owned producers in Margaux.
- Vineyards are situated on some of the highest elevations in the Margaux commune.
- Average vine age is around 40 years old.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure, with its medium-plus tannins and full body, stands up well to rich protein sources like beef and lamb, where tannins bind with proteins to soften the wine and cleanse the palate. The dark fruit and earthy notes complement roasted meats and earthy vegetables, while the wine's balance can handle savory sauces.

## Wine making process

Château Les Barraillots employs traditional winemaking techniques, beginning with manual harvesting to ensure grape quality. The vineyard is managed using sustainable practices, including plowing without chemical weed killers. Following harvest, the wine is aged for eighteen months in barrels, with one-third of the oak being new, a practice that contributes to the wine's structure and complexity. The estate's approach emphasizes a deep connection to its terroir and a commitment to family legacy, characteristic of its 'Cru Artisan' status.