# Connétable Talbot (2022)

- **Producer:** Château Talbot
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, cherry, plum, violet, herbaceous, vanilla, cedar

## About this wine

Connétable Talbot is the distinguished second wine of Château Talbot, a highly respected Fourth Growth estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Owned by the Cordier family since 1918 and currently managed by Nancy Bignon-Cordier and Jean-Paul Bignon, Château Talbot is renowned for its consistent quality. Connétable Talbot holds a unique place in Médoc history, being one of the first second wines ever created, with its origins tracing back to the 1970s. The 2022 vintage showcases the estate's commitment to crafting approachable yet structured wines from its 110-hectare vineyard, where vines average 29 years old and thrive on gravelly hillsides near the Gironde estuary.

## Interesting facts

- Connétable Talbot was one of the first second wines created in the Médoc, dating back to the 1970s.
- Château Talbot, its producer, has been owned by the Cordier family for over a century since 1918.
- The estate's vineyard spans 110 hectares in a single, contiguous block in Saint-Julien.
- It is the second wine of a prestigious 4th Grand Cru Classé estate.

## Food pairing

The medium body and silky tannins of Connétable Talbot 2022 make it an excellent partner for a range of savory dishes. Its core of black and red fruit, combined with subtle savory nuances, complements rich proteins like lamb, beef, and duck. The wine's structure can stand up to hearty preparations, while its smooth tannins ensure it won't clash with moderately fatty or umami-rich foods. Earthy elements in dishes, such as mushrooms or root vegetables, will also harmonize beautifully with the wine's profile.

## Wine making process

While specific winemaking details for the 2022 vintage of Connétable Talbot are not provided, the wine is crafted from grapes grown on the Château Talbot estate, where vines average 29 years old. These vineyards are situated on gravelly hillsides, a terroir known for promoting excellent drainage and ripeness in Bordeaux's classic red grape varieties. The meticulous vineyard management and traditional Bordeaux winemaking practices employed by Château Talbot ensure the quality and character of this second wine.