Wines Margaux Durfort-Vivens - Le Hameau - 2019

Château Durfort-Vivens 2019, specifically the cuvée Le Hameau, is a red wine from one of the most prestigious sub-regions of Bordeaux: Margaux. This cuvée showcases the classic blending tradition of the Médoc, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc playing supporting roles. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, sunny growing season with just enough rain to ensure ripeness and balance. The wines from this year display excellent structure with expressive fruit and refined tannins. The terroir at Durfort-Vivens is classic Margaux: deep, well-draining gravel soils over limestone and clay, which impart elegance, aromatic finesse, and a silky texture to the wine. Vinification is traditional, with careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, ensuring both freshness and depth.

Margaux itself is renowned for crafting the most fragrant, supple, and arguably feminine wines of the Médoc. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary that tempers heatwaves and guards against severe frost. The gravel soils are ideal for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, ensuring consistent quality in all but the most challenging years. The name Margaux has been associated with fine claret since at least the 17th century, and its wines are highly sought after for their perfume, elegance, and ageing potential.

For food pairings, Le Hameau de Durfort-Vivens is a superb companion to classic French cuisine. Its structure and freshness beautifully complement roasted lamb, duck breast with a red berry sauce, or ribeye steak. For a regional touch, try it with entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with a rich red wine sauce) or a selection of mature French cheeses, such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

To best appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve this Margaux at 16-18°C, after decanting for at least an hour if enjoyed young. This will allow its bouquet of blackcurrant, violet, and subtle oak to blossom fully, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.