Wines Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Château Colombe - Grand Vin De Bordeaux - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Colombe 2020, hailing from the Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux AOC in the Libournais subregion, is a dry red wine representative of Bordeaux's right bank tradition. This "Cuvée Grand Vin de Bordeaux" is typically composed predominantly of Merlot, often blended with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine that emphasises supple fruit and refined structure. The 2020 vintage benefitted from a relatively warm and balanced growing season, allowing for excellent ripeness and concentration. The estate's commitment to natural winemaking practices reflects in the wine's purity and expressive character, with minimal intervention showcasing the terroir's essence.

The Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux stands as a continuation of Saint-Émilion's renowned limestone plateau, extending its rich soils and south-facing slopes to deliver wines of remarkable depth and complexity. The region's terroir comprises primarily clay-limestone and alluvial soils resting atop ancient bedrock, imparting both freshness and minerality to the wines. The maritime climate, shaped by Atlantic breezes, provides the ideal balance between sunshine and rainfall, aiding optimal grape ripeness while preserving vibrant acidity. Historically, Castillon has produced wines of excellent value, often rivaling their more famous neighbours in finesse and expressiveness while remaining more approachable in both style and price.

In terms of food pairings, this wine’s plush Merlot-driven profile, marked by notes of ripe plum, blackberry, subtle spice and a velvety texture, makes it an excellent match for roast or grilled lamb, duck breast with red fruit sauce, traditional beef dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, or richer vegetarian preparations with lentils and mushrooms. Regional classics like confit de canard or even a simple plate of local charcuterie would find a harmonious partner in Château Colombe’s refined tannins and fresh finish.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30 minutes to allow its subtle aromatic layers to emerge, then serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will accentuate the wine’s delicate balance between fruit, acidity and gentle oak influence, providing a full and pleasurable tasting experience.