Wines Graves Chateau de Carolle - 2015

Château Carolle 2015 from the Graves AOC is a classic Bordeaux red, crafted predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are the dominant grape varieties in this region. The vintage of 2015 is widely regarded as an excellent year across Bordeaux, offering ripe, expressive fruit with balanced tannins and structure due to favourable growing conditions. The terroir in Graves is marked by its gravelly soils, which impart an elegant minerality and allow for excellent drainage, enhancing the finesse and aromatic complexity of the wine. Typically, wines from Château Carolle are vinified using a blend of stainless steel and oak ageing, lending both purity of fruit and subtle nuances of spice and toast.

The Graves region, located just south of the city of Bordeaux, is famed not just for its reds but also for its whites. The name “Graves” refers to the gravelly soils that have defined the viticulture here for centuries. This stony terrain lends a unique tension and structure to the wines, while the mild Atlantic climate—with its moderate rainfall and sunshine—ensures a gradual and balanced ripening of the grapes. Graves has a long and storied history, being the birthplace of Bordeaux’s global reputation for fine wine and home to some of the world’s most prestigious châteaux.

When it comes to food pairings, a Graves red such as Château Carolle 2015 will shine alongside classic dishes of southwestern France. Think duck confit, entrecôte Bordelaise with its rich red wine and shallot sauce, or a lamb shoulder braised with local herbs. The wine’s well-integrated tannins and bright acidity also complement hard cheeses like aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty. Its subtle mineral notes and cassis fruit make it versatile with roasted poultry or grilled vegetables as well.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for about one hour to allow the aromas and flavours to open up. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to experience its full aromatic range, structure and silky texture. This 2015 Graves is drinking beautifully now but can also develop further complexity with a few more years of cellar ageing.