Wines Margaux Château Le Coteau - Cuvée Gravelines - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château Le Coteau 2018, Cuvée Gravelines, is a classic red wine hailing from the renowned Margaux appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Crafted predominantly from the traditional Bordeaux blend, which typically centres around Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this vintage expresses the signature elegance and complexity of Margaux. The 2018 harvest benefited from an excellent growing season; after a damp spring, the warm, dry summer led to beautifully ripe, concentrated grapes. Vinification here tends to focus on gentle extraction to preserve finesse, with ageing in French oak barrels to impart subtle spice and roundness without overpowering the delicate fruit and floral notes characteristic of Margaux terroir.

Margaux is often considered the most perfumed, refined of the Médoc’s appellations, its wines renowned for their aromatic complexity, silky texture and lingering finish. The region’s gravelly soils, deposited over centuries by the Garonne river, provide exceptional drainage and radiate heat, fostering optimal grape ripening. The microclimate here is moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, promoting gradual maturation and encouraging finesse over sheer power. Margaux’s viticultural history traces back centuries, and its châteaux are synonymous with Bordeaux’s most illustrious and sought-after wines.

Pairing options for this Château Le Coteau 2018 should accentuate the wine’s delicate fragrance and velvety tannins. Classic matches include roast lamb with herbs, duck breast with a berry reduction, or simply a well-aged entrecôte steak. For a regional touch, consider a bordelaise sauce or confit de canard. Mushroom-based dishes or mature cheeses such as Comté also highlight the wine’s subtle complexity and depth.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the bottle an hour before serving to release its full bouquet. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will allow the wine to express its profusion of red and black cassis fruit, violet, hints of cedar, and fine-grained tannins, ensuring a graceful and memorable Margaux experience.