Wines Médoc chateau rollan de by - rollan de by - 2016

Château Rollan de By 2016 is a prestigious cuvée from the Médoc in Bordeaux, a region renowned for its complex, structured red wines. This wine is a classic Médoc blend, commonly featuring Merlot dominant with significant portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, and sometimes touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2016 vintage is widely celebrated in Bordeaux for its ideal growing conditions—balanced weather in the spring, a dry and hot summer, and perfectly timed rains in September, allowing for slow ripening and optimal grape maturity. The terroir of Château Rollan de By, located near the Gironde estuary, comprises gravelly soils that ensure excellent drainage, which in turn concentrates the flavours of the grapes and lends elegance and finesse to the final wine. The vinification technique emphases gentle extraction and careful ageing—typically 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels (with a proportion of new oak)—which helps to integrate the tannins and add complexity.

The Médoc, stretching along the left bank of Bordeaux, enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the protective pine forests. The soils are typically gravelly over clay or limestone, which is ideal for ripening late grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. This region has a long, illustrious history, defined not only by aristocratic châteaux but by a tradition of careful viticulture dating back centuries, making it the source of some of the world’s most admired red wines.

Château Rollan de By 2016, with its deep ruby colour, aromas of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and hints of tobacco and spice from oak ageing, matches beautifully with classic French cuisine. It excels with richly flavoured meats such as roast lamb, rib of beef, or duck confit. Locally, it would shine alongside a bordelaise entrecôte or a hearty cassoulet. For cheese, opt for a mature Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for an hour to allow its aromas and flavours to open up. Serve at 16-18°C; this temperature highlights the finesse of its tannins, preserves its aromatic complexity, and ensures an elegant, balanced tasting experience.