# La Terrasse de La Garde (2024)

- **Producer:** Château La Garde
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, violet, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, smoke, cloves

## About this wine

La Terrasse de La Garde is the second wine of Château La Garde, an estate located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux. Owned by the Dourthe family since 1990, the estate has undergone significant modernization to map its complex gravel soils. This wine is crafted to offer an approachable, fruit-forward expression of the estate's terroir while maintaining the signature elegance, structure, and smoky minerality characteristic of Pessac-Léognan.

## Interesting facts

- Château La Garde was one of the first estates in Bordeaux to conduct a detailed electromagnetic soil survey to map its vineyards.
- La Terrasse de La Garde is designed to be enjoyed younger than the estate's grand vin, offering earlier accessibility.
- The estate is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE 3), reflecting its commitment to sustainable viticulture.

## Food pairing

The structured tannins and vibrant acidity of this Pessac-Léognan red cut beautifully through rich proteins and savory fats. The wine's dark fruit and subtle earthy undertones harmonize with roasted meats, game, and earthy mushroom dishes, while avoiding overly spicy or sweet elements that would clash with its dry, structured profile.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested manually and sorted carefully. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, with plot-by-plot vinification to respect the diverse soil types. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (a mix of new and seasoned oak) for approximately 12 to 14 months to integrate the tannins and add subtle complexity without overpowering the fresh fruit character.