Château Meyre’s Cuvée Gallen 2013 from Margaux is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux blend, predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, potentially complemented by a touch of Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. The 2013 vintage was characterised by challenging weather conditions, leading to a lighter and fresher profile compared to riper years. The vinification at Château Meyre adheres to traditional Bordeaux methods, employing careful fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels to enhance complexity and bring out the wine’s elegant tannic structure.
The Margaux appellation is renowned for its finesse and aromatic expressiveness. Located in the southern Médoc, Margaux benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with nearby Atlantic breezes moderating the heat and helping vines ripen steadily. Gravelly soils, rich in quartz and stones, provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. Margaux’s viticultural history stretches back centuries, with a reputation for producing some of Bordeaux’s most perfumed and silky reds, celebrated for their longevity and balance.
Given the wine’s medium-bodied style and aromatic complexity, Cuvée Gallen 2013 pairs beautifully with a range of dishes that match its structure without overwhelming its subtlety. Traditional pairings from the region include entrecôte à la bordelaise (ribeye with a red wine and shallot sauce) or roast lamb with rosemary and garlic. Lighter game birds, such as duck breast with berry reduction, also accentuate the wine’s red fruit notes. For vegetarian options, consider roasted root vegetables or a wild mushroom risotto, which mirror the wine’s earthy undertones.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Margaux slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes will allow the wine to open up, releasing its aromatic bouquet of cassis, violets, and gentle oak notes. This cuvée is drinking well now, but can also be kept a few more years for further integration and subtle evolution.
