# La Chenade (2014)

- **Producer:** Denis Durantou
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 20%
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €26
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, vanilla, cedar, earth, mushroom

## About this wine

La Chenade 2014 is a red wine from Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, produced by the esteemed Denis Durantou. Durantou, celebrated for his precision winemaking, created this wine from a small, 0.5-hectare vineyard characterized by sandy-gravelly soil. This specific terroir contributes to the wine's earlier drinking window. The 2014 vintage, known for its late-season warmth, was particularly successful for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the primary grapes in La Chenade. The wine is recognized for offering a high-quality expression of Durantou's skill at a more accessible price point compared to his more famous estates.

## Interesting facts

- Denis Durantou was often called the 'genius of Pomerol'.
- La Chenade comes from a tiny 0.5-hectare vineyard.
- This wine once outscored more famous wines in a blind tasting.
- The 2014 vintage benefited from a late Indian summer.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and fresh acidity complement rich meats like lamb, duck, and beef by cutting through their fat. The fine-grained tannins integrate well with the protein, softening the wine and enhancing the savory flavors. Earthy notes from mushrooms or herbs in dishes can echo the wine's subtle complexity.

## Wine making process

The 2014 La Chenade is produced from Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) grown on a small, sandy-gravelly vineyard. Harvest dates were staggered, with Merlot picked in late September and Cabernet Franc in mid-October, taking advantage of the favorable late-season conditions. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in 30% new oak barrels for a period, contributing to its structure and complexity. The production volume for the 2014 vintage was 1,967 cases.