# Château Malbec (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Malbec
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot 67%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Petit Verdot 6%, Malbec 4%, Cabernet Franc 3%
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 17–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cranberries, light cherries, ripe red fruit, stewed blackberries, blueberry compote, black currant, olives, white pepper, eucalyptus, black licorice, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Château Malbec is a Bordeaux AOC red wine produced by the Castel family, who have owned the estate since 1991. The property is situated in Sainte-Eulalie, near Bordeaux, in the Entre-Deux-Mers region. The wine's name honors a former owner, Louis Malbec. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, holding TERRA VITIS certification. The 2021 vintage reflects the challenging weather conditions of the year, yielding wines with a classic, fresh, and approachable style.

## Interesting facts

- The château is named after a former owner, Louis Malbec, not the grape.
- The estate includes an education center for wine appreciation.
- Vines are primarily south-facing for maximum sun exposure.
- The wine is sustainably managed and TERRA VITIS certified.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and soft tannins make it versatile. Its freshness and fruit-forward character complement leaner meats and poultry, while its gentle structure can stand up to richer dishes without overpowering them. Acidity helps cut through richness.

## Wine making process

Château Malbec is produced using a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are likely fermented in temperature-controlled vessels to preserve fruit. The wine is then aged for 10 months, with 80% in stainless steel vats and 20% in French oak barrels. This combination aims to balance fruit expression with subtle oak influence. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, holding TERRA VITIS certification.