Wines Margaux Château Tertre - by Tertre - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château du Tertre 2020 from Margaux is an exceptional red wine, rooted in the celebrated Bordeaux tradition of crafting sophisticated blends. The 2020 vintage is shaped by a classic Médoc assemblage, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The gravelly soils of the Tertre estate, situated atop one of the highest points in Margaux, play a crucial role in ensuring optimal ripeness and drainage, factors which lend finesse and structure to the wine. The vinification process involves stainless steel as well as oak maturation, resulting in a wine that balances fragrant dark fruit aromas with nuanced oak and refined tannins. 2020 was a particularly favourable year, marked by a warm summer yielding concentrated yet beautifully fresh wines. Expect notes of cassis, blackberry, subtle spice, and a hint of violet, supported by elegant tannins and a lingering, silken finish.

The Margaux appellation holds an esteemed place in Bordeaux’s winemaking history. Situated at the southern end of the Médoc, Margaux is renowned for its deep gravel soils overlying limestone, which are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The temperate maritime climate, moderated by the Gironde estuary, ensures slow, even ripening and subtle aromatic complexity in the wines. Margaux is distinguished by its particularly perfumed and graceful reds, which are often considered among the most refined in the Médoc. The châteaux here, including Château du Tertre, benefit from a long tradition of excellence stretching back centuries, combining natural advantages with expert cultivation and vinification.

Given its elegance and structure, Château du Tertre 2020 pairs superbly with classic French dishes such as roast lamb with thyme, beef tournedos with truffle sauce, or duck breast with a berry reduction. For a more regional touch, try it with entrecôte à la bordelaise, a local Médoc speciality featuring steak in a rich red wine sauce, or with fine cheeses like aged Comté.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this Margaux at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will unveil further depth and aromatic complexity, allowing the wine’s full character to shine. This wine will reward patience, and has excellent aging potential if you wish to let it evolve in your cellar.