Wines Côtes-de-Bordeaux Château Le Virou - Vieilles Vignes - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Château Le Virou "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes" 2021 is a distinguished red wine from Bordeaux’s Côtes-de-Bordeaux AOC, located within the fertile subregion of Entre-deux-Mers. Crafted from old vines, this cuvée typically features the classic Bordeaux blend, often dominated by Merlot, with supporting roles from Cabernet Sauvignon and perhaps Cabernet Franc or Malbec. The 2021 vintage reflects a careful vinification process, drawing depth and complexity from mature vine age, which generally imparts greater concentration and nuance. Expect aromas and flavours of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, mingled with subtle notes of cedar, liquorice, and a touch of earthy minerality—a hallmark of the region’s gravels and clay-limestone soils. Fine tannic structure and freshness from the vintage should ensure a balance between fruit and backbone, ideal for mid-term ageing or drinking now with a brief aeration.

The Côtes-de-Bordeaux AOC, situated on the right bank of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, enjoys a temperate oceanic climate moderated by these waterways, resulting in relatively mild winters and warm, sunny summers—favourable conditions for healthy vine growth and even ripening. The mix of clay, limestone, and gravel soils enables deep-rooted, old vines to extract distinctive mineral and spicy notes, contributing to the wine’s complexity. Bordeaux’s long viticultural history, dating back to Roman times, shines through in this region’s ability to marry tradition and modernity, producing reds of both structure and elegance.

For food pairings, this style of Bordeaux aligns beautifully with classic French fare. Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder with herbs, duck confit, or entrecôte bordelaise, finished with a red wine and shallot sauce. Regional dishes such as canard aux cèpes or magret de canard showcase the wine’s affinity for savoury, earthy flavours, though it can also complement aged, firm cheeses or mushroom-based dishes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Château Le Virou Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2021 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour before serving will help reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins, making for a more harmonious and expressive tasting experience.