Viniou Reviews
Château Chantegrive 2021 from the Graves AOC in Bordeaux is a red wine that beautifully expresses the character of its region. This cuvée is typically a blend dominated by Merlot, balanced with Cabernet Sauvignon, and sometimes with touches of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot, which is characteristic of the Graves area. The 2021 vintage faced a relatively cool and challenging growing season, resulting in wines with vibrancy, moderate alcohol, and fresh acidity, favouring aromatic elegance and restraint over power. The gravelly soils of Graves, along with sand and occasional clay, ensure excellent drainage and impart a distinct mineral touch to the final wine. Winemaking at Château Chantegrive emphasises gentle extraction to preserve finesse, with ageing in French oak barrels bringing subtle notes of spice and structure, without overpowering the natural fruit.
Graves itself holds a special place within Bordeaux, being one of the oldest wine-producing territories in the region and the birthplace of claret. The climate is typically mild and Atlantic-influenced, with enough warmth to ripen Bordeaux varieties fully, but with sufficient rainfall and cool nights to preserve freshness. The name “Graves” comes from the gravelly soils, which reflect heat and assist vine maturation, whilst giving the wines their characteristic texture and lively minerality. The region has a rich history as a supplier of quality reds and whites, often valued for their elegance and balance rather than sheer intensity.
For food pairing, this red Graves is wonderfully versatile. Its refined tannins and bright acidity make it an excellent partner for traditional Bordelais dishes such as entrecôte de boeuf à la bordelaise (rib-eye steak with red wine sauce), roasted duck magret, or lamb chops with herbs. It also complements a mushroom risotto, lentil stew or soft cheeses like Saint-Nectaire. For a lighter pairing, try it with roast chicken or grilled tuna.
To enjoy all the subtleties of this Château Chantegrive 2021, serve it at 15-17°C after a short decantation, which will allow the wine to open and reveal its nuanced bouquet. This temperature highlights its aromatic complexity, supple structure, and fresh finish.
