# Château Malescasse Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois (2016)

- **Producer:** Chateau Malescasse
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, ripe fruit, elderberry, cedar, vanilla, cloves, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Château Malescasse Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois is a red wine from the Haut-Médoc appellation in Bordeaux, France. The 2016 vintage is a blend primarily of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. The estate, owned by Vignobles Austruy since 2012, is situated on gravelly hilltops and has undergone significant improvements with the aim of achieving balance and freshness in its wines. The vineyard is farmed using sustainable practices and holds High Environmental Value (HVE) and ISO 14001 certifications. The 2016 vintage is recognized for its quality, benefiting from favorable weather conditions that allowed for late harvests.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard sits on gravelly hilltops between Margaux and Saint-Julien.
- Certified High Environmental Value (HVE) and ISO 14001.
- Consulting from Stéphane Derenoncourt.
- Recognized as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel since 2020.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and mature tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats. Its structure can stand up to hearty dishes, while its fruit notes can echo or contrast with savory elements in the cuisine.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process begins with de-stemmed grapes that are transported to vats by gravity. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks for about four weeks, utilizing gentle punching down for selective tannin extraction. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out in barrels. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30% new wood. Sustainable viticultural practices are employed in the vineyard, including minimal soil treatment and sparing pesticide use.