Wines Saint-Émilion Calvet - Réserve des Remparts - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Château Calvet’s 2023 Réserve des Remparts from Saint-Émilion is a classic expression of Bordeaux’s renowned Right Bank. This elegant red is typically crafted from a blend dominated by Merlot, harmoniously complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2023 vintage, though still youthful, promises vibrancy and delicate tannins, showcasing ripe red and black fruits—think plum, cherry, and blackberry—alongside subtle notes of spice and toasted wood from careful ageing, likely in French oak. The terroir plays a defining role: sandy clay and limestone soils confer finesse and minerality, while gentle vinification ensures fruit purity and a supple structure without overwhelming extraction.

Saint-Émilion, an historic and UNESCO-listed village, sits on Bordeaux’s Right Bank and enjoys a temperate maritime climate tempered by its proximity to the Dordogne River. The soils here are famously complex, with a patchwork of limestone, clay, and gravel that creates sought-after conditions for Merlot, the predominant grape. These variations result in wines noted for their roundness, aromatic complexity, and capacity to age, distinguishing Saint-Émilion from more robust Left Bank neighbours. The region’s heritage traces back to Roman times, and today it stands as a benchmark for quality Merlot-led blends.

This supple, fruit-forward Saint-Émilion is versatile at the table. Its generous fruit and silky tannins pair beautifully with classic French fare such as coq au vin, roast duck with cherries, or a simple entrecôte steak with shallot sauce. Local specialities like magret de canard or even a bordelaise sauce reflect the wine’s origins. For a plant-based pairing, mushrooms cooked with lentils or a truffle risotto can complement the wine’s earthy notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine if possible to allow its youthful aromas to open up. Serve at 16-18°C, which will accentuate its freshness while maintaining a refined structure. Given its youthful vintage, it may evolve attractively with a year or two of cellaring, developing greater complexity and roundness.