Wines Saint-Émilion Château Pavie Macquin - 2016

Château Pavie Macquin 2016 is an esteemed red from the Saint-Émilion appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, crafted predominantly from Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. This particular vintage benefits from the excellent 2016 growing season, bringing together vibrant fruit, refined structure and remarkable ageing potential. The estate, renowned for its meticulous vineyard management and organic practices, is rooted on the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, offering optimal drainage and imparting a distinctive minerality and elegance to the wine. The vinification process focuses on gentle extraction and long maturation in French oak barrels, yielding a wine of exceptional depth, ripe tannins and layered complexity, with aromatics of blackberry, plum, violet, graphite, and subtle spices.

The region of Saint-Émilion boasts a unique combination of limestone, clay and sandy soils, contributing to the expressive character and finesse of its wines. The temperate oceanic climate, tempered by the Dordogne River, ensures a long and even ripening period, resulting in grapes of fine balance and purity. Historically, Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most celebrated wine areas, its medieval village at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and its châteaux widely acclaimed for elegant, cellar-worthy reds.

Pairing Château Pavie Macquin 2016 is a pleasure, as its structure and complexity welcome robust dishes. Classic matches from the region include entrecôte à la bordelaise (grilled ribeye with a red wine sauce), duck breast with cèpes, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Mushroom-based dishes and truffled risotto would equally highlight its earthy minerality, while matured cheeses such as Comté or aged Saint-Nectaire provide excellent harmony.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow it to fully reveal its bouquet and texture. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C, which will showcase its refined tannins, vibrant fruit, and aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now after decanting but will also reward further cellaring.