Viniou Reviews
Château Petit Mouta 2023, from the Graves AOC in Bordeaux, is a red wine that stands as a fine representative of its terroir. This vintage is crafted predominantly from classic Bordeaux grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, possibly with a touch of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot depending on the estate's blend. In 2023, the vintage benefitted from favourable weather conditions that imparted freshness and ripe fruit characteristics. The gravelly soils of Graves, known for excellent drainage, allow the roots to delve deep, resulting in wines with marked minerality and structure. Vinification at Château Petit Mouta typically involves temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve vibrant fruit notes, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle spice and roundness.
Graves is a historic region on the left bank of the Garonne, south of Bordeaux city. As its name suggests, the area is defined by its gravel-rich soils, which not only lend the wines their characteristic strength and elegance but also reflect heat and assist ripening. The maritime climate, with moderate rainfall and plentiful sunshine, ensures grapes reach full maturity while maintaining balanced acidity. The area has a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times and is renowned for producing some of the most revered red and white wines in Bordeaux.
This Graves rouge will pair beautifully with roasted lamb cutlets infused with thyme, duck breast with a red berry reduction, or a classic entrecôte Bordelaise. Regional cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty or Saint-Nectaire make excellent companions, enhancing the wine's dark fruit and subtle smokiness. For a more relaxed occasion, charcuterie platters or wild mushroom risotto would showcase its finesse.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Château Petit Mouta 2023 at 16-18°C, allowing the wine to express its aromatic complexity and supple tannins. Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving will further elevate the experience, especially while the wine is still youthful.
