Wines Saint-Émilion Château Fombrauge - 2020

Château Fombrauge 2020 from the Saint-Émilion AOC is an exemplary red wine hailing from the prestigious Bordeaux region, specifically the Libournais subregion. This vintage is crafted predominantly from Merlot, which is often complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the classic Right Bank blend. The 2020 growing season in Bordeaux was marked by a warm, dry summer, giving rise to ripe, concentrated grapes with excellent phenolic maturity. Château Fombrauge employs a meticulous winemaking process, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo careful sorting, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and ageing in new French oak barrels, imparting complexity and depth to the wine.

Saint-Émilion is one of the most celebrated appellations of Bordeaux, nestled on the right bank of the Dordogne River. The region boasts a patchwork of soils, from limestone and clay to gravel, which contribute distinct minerality and elegance to the wines. Saint-Émilion's history dates back to Roman times, and its medieval village is a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolising centuries of viticultural excellence. The temperate maritime climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, ensures a long and even growing season, ideal for producing structured yet velvety red wines.

With its deep ruby colour, expressive bouquet of blackberries, plums, and violets, as well as notes of cedar, cocoa, and subtle toasty oak, Château Fombrauge 2020 pairs beautifully with classic dishes from the region such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with a red wine and shallot sauce), grilled lamb cutlets, or duck confit. Its refined tannins and balanced acidity also make it a great companion to mushroom risotto, mature cheeses like Comté, or even a rustic pork terrine.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for one to two hours to allow the complex aromas to fully develop. Enjoy it now for its youthful energy, or cellar it for the next 10-15 years to appreciate its evolving nuances.