# Clos du Marquis 2021 (2021)

- **Producer:** Clos Du Marquis
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €42
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, red cherry, graphite, blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, redcurrant, cedar, smoke, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

Clos du Marquis 2021 is a distinguished red wine from the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, France. It is produced by Clos du Marquis, an estate managed by the Delon family, who also own Château Léoville Las Cases. The wine's identity is shaped by its prestigious terroir, characterized by gravelly soils. The 2021 vintage was a long and challenging growing season, requiring meticulous vineyard work and selection, which resulted in a wine noted for its elegance and density. The blend is typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, reflecting the classic profile of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Clos du Marquis is owned by the same family as the prestigious Château Léoville Las Cases.
- The 2021 vintage saw low yields, around 30 hectoliters per hectare.
- This vintage has a higher concentration of polyphenols than the 2019 and 2020 vintages.
- Vine age averages 35 years, contributing to wine complexity.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and fine tannins are well-suited to complement the proteins in red meats, softening as they interact. The wine's inherent fruit notes can echo or contrast with the richness of the dishes, while its acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint to fatty components.

## Wine making process

The production of Clos du Marquis 2021 involves a rigorous approach, beginning with a harvest from September 24 to October 9. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a long and challenging growing season, necessitating drastic selection of the grapes to ensure quality. Vine age averages 35 years, contributing to the wine's complexity. Following harvest, the wine is matured in oak barrels for approximately 12 months, with 50% of the barrels being new oak. Some sources indicate the use of reverse osmosis to adjust alcohol levels. The wine is bottled with a pH of 3.69 and a Total Polyphenol Index (IPT) of 86.