Wines Margaux Château d'Issan - 2020

Château Issan 2020, from the illustrious Margaux AOC in Bordeaux, is a beautifully poised red wine exemplifying the finesse and charm for which this appellation is renowned. The wine is typically crafted from a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and sometimes small additions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or Malbec. The 2020 vintage benefitted from an ideal growing season in the region, with a balanced climate providing both ripeness and freshness to the grapes. Château Issan is known for traditional vinification methods, favouring gentle extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, which imparts a subtle complexity and supports the wine's aging potential.

Margaux, on Bordeaux's Left Bank, is acclaimed for its well-draining gravelly soils over layers of limestone and clay, allowing vines to dig deep and produce grapes of great elegance and aromatic complexity. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates extremes of climate, softening spring frosts and summer heat, thus preserving freshness and aromatic purity. Margaux is also steeped in winemaking history, with a reputation for producing some of the most perfumed and silky wines of all the Médoc communes. Château Issan, a historic estate with origins tracing back to the 12th century, is emblematic of this tradition.

When it comes to food pairings, this Margaux is particularly well suited to classic French cuisine. Its harmonious structure and fine tannins make it an excellent partner to roast lamb dressed with herbs, fillet of beef, or a delicate duck breast with red fruit sauce. Regional dishes, such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or mushrooms sautéed with garlic and parsley, echo the earthy undertones and subtle spice of the wine. Mature cheeses like Comté or Beaufort also complement its graceful profile.

To enjoy Château Issan 2020 at its best, serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for an hour or two to allow its aromas and texture to fully open. This wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful energy but will reward further cellaring, developing greater complexity and nuance with time.