Wines Listrac-Médoc Château Fonréaud - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Fonréaud 2019, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur from the Listrac-Médoc AOC, is an excellent embodiment of Left Bank Bordeaux. This red wine is predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by smaller portions of Petit Verdot, resulting in a harmonious blend that reflects both structure and finesse. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, relatively dry growing season, giving rise to ripe, expressive fruit with a refined tannic backbone. On the nose, expect notes of blackcurrant, plum and blackberry, elegantly interwoven with cedar, tobacco leaf and hints of graphite, owing to traditional oak maturation.

Listrac-Médoc is one of the six communal appellations of the Médoc, located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary. The area's terroir is defined by a mixture of gravelly and clay-limestone soils, which are highly conducive to producing structured, age-worthy wines. The Château Fonréaud vineyard itself sits on the highest point in the Médoc, benefitting from optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage, which help grapes attain full maturity. The region boasts a mild, maritime climate, tempered by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, allowing slow ripening and development of nuanced aromatics. Listrac, with its rich winemaking heritage, often delivers wines with more freshness and grip than its more opulent southern neighbours.

In terms of food pairings, Château Fonréaud 2019 is a very versatile wine. Its firm yet polished tannins and complex bouquet will complement classic Bordelais dishes, such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or roast lamb with garlic and herbs. For regional authenticity, consider pairing it with duck confit or a wild mushroom fricassée. The wine will also hold its own with hard cheeses like Comté or matured Cantal, as well as with earthy vegetable dishes and lentil stew.

To enjoy Château Fonréaud at its best, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour is advisable to unlock its aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins. While already pleasurable, this wine will reward a few years of cellaring, revealing further depth and refinement.