# Léo de la Gaffelière (2019)

- **Producer:** Domaines Comte de Malet Roquefort
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Cabernet Franc 15%
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €13
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, black cherry, plum, licorice, vanilla, woodiness

## About this wine

Léo de la Gaffelière 2019 is a red wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France, produced by Domaines Comte de Malet Roquefort. The wine is a blend primarily of Merlot, with contributions from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It represents an accessible offering from a historic winemaking family with roots in the region dating back to 1705. The name 'Léo' pays homage to Count Léo de Malet Roquefort, linking the wine to the estate's long viticultural heritage. The 2019 vintage benefited from favorable weather, contributing to the wine's structure and character.

## Interesting facts

- The wine is considered by some to be the 'third wine' of the esteemed Château La Gaffelière.
- The name 'Léo' is a tribute to Count Léo de Malet Roquefort.
- The Malet Roquefort family's winemaking history in Saint-Émilion dates back to 1705.
- The estate's vineyards sit on a terroir known for its clay-limestone soils.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus tannins and silky texture complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, while its fresh acidity cuts through fattier elements. Fruit notes in the wine can harmonize with fruit-based sauces or accompaniments.

## Wine making process

Léo de la Gaffelière is produced by Domaines Comte de Malet Roquefort, employing winemaking techniques consistent with the high standards of their Saint-Émilion appellation. The blend, dominated by Merlot, is likely fermented in temperature-controlled vessels to manage extraction and preserve fruit character. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in oak barrels, a process that imparts subtle oak nuances, such as vanilla, and contributes to the wine's structure and silky tannin profile. The producer utilizes ultra-modern cellars, indicating a blend of traditional winemaking principles with contemporary technology to ensure quality and consistency.