# Tradition (2023)

- **Producer:** Château Massereau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc 45%, Cabernet Sauvignon 45%, Petit Verdot 10%
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black fruit, red fruit, herbaceous

## About this wine

Tradition by Château Massereau is a 2023 red wine from Bordeaux, France, produced under the 'Vin de France' designation. The estate, owned by the Chaigneau family since 2000, follows a minimalist and organic approach to winemaking. The 2023 blend features 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot. Château Massereau is committed to manual vineyard work and non-interventionist cellar practices, emphasizing the natural quality of the grapes. The estate holds HVE 3 certification, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship.

## Interesting facts

- The estate practices organic farming and is certified High Environmental Value (HVE 3).
- Vineyard work, including plowing, is sometimes done with horses.
- The wine is fermented using natural yeasts.
- The producer deliberately avoids common winemaking interventions like fining or filtration.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ tannins and structure are well-suited to complement the proteins in dishes like steak and lamb, while its savory character and subtle herbal notes can echo flavors in vegetable-based dishes or mushroom preparations. The dry profile and moderate acidity make it versatile for richer fare.

## Wine making process

Tradition by Château Massereau is crafted using a minimalist, non-interventionist approach. Fermentation occurs with natural yeasts, and winemaking eschews common practices like chaptalization, acidification, fining, or filtration. Sulfur is used minimally. The wine matures in cement vats for 14 to 18 months, a process designed to maintain the purity of the fruit. The estate's commitment to organic farming and manual vineyard work, including occasional horse plowing, underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship and high-quality grape production.