Wines Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Château Monrecueil - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Château Monrecueil 2010 from the Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation is a compelling representation of this often-overlooked extension of the Bordeaux right bank. The 2010 vintage was exceptional across the region, providing ripe yet structured fruit thanks to ideal weather conditions. Primarily composed of Merlot, typical of the Libournais subregion, with possible blends of Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows the plushness and depth associated with the area’s clay-limestone soils. The vinification likely involved careful extraction and judicious use of oak, balancing fruit concentration with fine tannic structure, supporting the wine’s development over more than a decade in bottle.

Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux lies immediately east of Saint-Émilion, benefitting from similar hillside and plateau geology. The climate is temperate oceanic, moderated by the Dordogne river, allowing for gradual ripening and preserving freshness in the grapes. While the region does not have the same centuries-old global fame as its illustrious neighbour, its history is deeply interwoven with the broader Bordeaux narrative, where enterprising producers have long harnessed the expressive power of Merlot and its blending partners.

This mature red would pair superbly with rich, savoury dishes. Classic Bordeaux pairings such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, or rib-eye with a Bordelaise sauce would all find harmony with its developed palate. For a regional approach, try it with entrecôte à la bordelaise or a hearty cassoulet featuring confit duck or pork, where the wine’s supple tannins and tertiary notes of leather and earth will complement the dish’s richness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Château Monrecueil 2010 at 16-18°C, ideally decanted for about an hour to encourage aromatic complexity and soften the palate. Given its maturity, observe the wine as it evolves in the glass, savouring the nuanced development only time can provide.