# Réserve de Famille (2018)

- **Producer:** Château Martet
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €40
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, violet, vanilla, cloves, toast, cedar, chocolate, leather, tobacco, forest floor, dried fig

## About this wine

Château Martet is located in the Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, situated on the banks of the Dordogne river. The estate's history dates back to the 13th century, but its modern renaissance began in 1991 when the de Coninck family acquired the property. They embarked on an ambitious program to revitalize the vineyards and cellars. A pivotal moment came when they hired the legendary consultant oenologist Louis Mitjavile, renowned for his work at Château Tertre Roteboeuf. Under his guidance, Château Martet shifted its focus toward producing exceptionally concentrated, late-harvested Merlot. The 'Réserve de Famille' is the estate's flagship cuvée, crafted from old vines and recognized as a benchmark for quality in this lesser-known appellation.

## Interesting facts

- Consultant Louis Mitjavile, famous for Château Tertre Roteboeuf, helped shape this wine's signature opulent, velvety style.
- Often referred to by critics as the 'Pétrus of Sainte-Foy' due to its exceptional 100% Merlot concentration.
- The estate's history dates back to the 13th century, originally serving as a Roman villa and later a Templar outpost.

## Food pairing

This is a bold, structured, and opulent Merlot with velvety tannins and rich fruit. It pairs beautifully with rich, fatty meats like beef and lamb, which soften the tannins. Earthy components like mushrooms and truffles complement the wine's subtle forest floor and oak-derived complexity, while berry reductions echo its primary dark fruit profile.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Réserve de Famille is heavily influenced by the philosophy of Louis Mitjavile. Grapes are harvested at maximum phenolic ripeness to ensure plush, ripe tannins. Following a meticulous sorting process, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats. The wine is then aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. During this aging period, the wine undergoes regular racking and micro-oxygenation to integrate the oak, soften the structural tannins, and develop a rich, velvety texture before bottling.