Viniou Reviews
The Brio de Cantenac Brown 2014 is the esteemed second wine of Château Cantenac Brown, an illustrious estate in the Margaux appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Crafted in the tradition of great Médoc blends, this cuvée is predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Franc adding aromatic complexity. The 2014 vintage benefited from a temperate but late-ripening season, delivering a wine with excellent structure, refined tannins, and expressive fruit. Winemaking at Cantenac Brown follows classical Bordeaux methods: meticulous selection in the vineyard, gentle extraction during vinification, and ageing in oak barrels, about a third of which are new, lending subtle toasty notes and integration to the blend.
Margaux holds a storied place in Bordeaux, celebrated for producing some of the most elegant and perfumed reds of the region. The terroir here is defined by its deep, well-drained gravel soils atop a base of sand and clay, which encourage deep root growth and lend finesse to the wines. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates both heat and frost, creating ideal conditions for the maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Margaux’s history is rich with renowned châteaux, and its wines are lauded for their aromatic complexity, seamless tannins, and longevity — qualities that Brio de Cantenac Brown seeks to echo in a more approachable profile.
The supple structure and aromatic finesse of the Brio 2014 make it a superb companion to classic French cuisine. Traditional pairings include roast lamb with herbs, duck breast in a red wine reduction, or veal blanquette. It is equally at home alongside Margaux specialities such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or even a rustic mushroom tart. Aged cheeses, notably Comté or Saint-Nectaire, also make an inspired match, complementing the wine’s subtle oak and berry notes.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C after ideally decanting it for one to two hours, allowing the bouquet of red and blackcurrants, cedar, and delicate spices to unfurl and bring out its characteristic Margaux elegance.
