Wines Graves Château de Chantegrive - Caroline - 2016

Château Chantegrive’s ‘Cuvée Caroline’ 2016 is a fine example of the Graves AOC’s white wines. This particular cuvée is crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by Sémillon and a touch of Sauvignon Gris, a typical blend for the region. The 2016 vintage benefited from a temperate start to the season with a long, warm summer, allowing the grapes to reach optimum ripeness while maintaining marvellous freshness and aromatic complexity. Vinification in this estate is meticulous, with a portion of the juice matured in fine French oak barrels, lending the wine a beautiful, subtle touch of toast and cream, balanced by vibrant fruit and mineral notes. The result is an expressive dry white wine that combines the zesty citrus and floral lift of Sauvignon with the roundness and velvety mouthfeel brought by Sémillon.

The Graves region, situated south of the city of Bordeaux, is renowned for its unique gravelly soils interspersed with sandy and clay components, which provide outstanding drainage and contribute profoundly to the elegance and minerality of the wines. The mild Atlantic-influenced climate favours slow, steady grape ripening, whilst the historic reputation for both red and white wines dates back centuries, making Graves one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most highly regarded appellations.

Cuvée Caroline’s crisp acidity, delicately woody aromas, and generous palate make it a versatile partner at the table. It would shine alongside classic dishes like grilled prawns with garlic and parsley, roast chicken with tarragon, or a lemon butter sole. From the regional cuisine, it matches beautifully with oysters from Arcachon or a creamy fish fricassée. Soft cheeses such as Chaource or Brie also complement its subtle richness.

To enjoy its full aromatic spectrum, serve this wine at a cool yet not too cold temperature, ideally between 10°C and 12°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes before tasting can help the wine open up gracefully, especially if it has developed some bottle age.